Clinicopathologic aspects of bacterial agents.

Bacteria were the first organisms recognized for their potential as agents of bioaggression and the possibility of their use by a terrorist or rogue nation is considered a significant threat. Five of the more likely agents (anthrax, plague, tularemia, Q fever, and brucellosis) are reviewed with emphasis on their epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and pathology. Particular emphasis is given to the presentation of the diseases as they may appear after use in a biowarfare scenario.