Dermatological aspects in the risk of biological warfare
Carsuzaa, F.; Boyé, T.; Debord, T.; Guennoc, B.; Fournier, B.; Cavallo, J-D.
Presse Medicale 34(2 Pt 2): 189-192
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 15687970 Document Number: 590938
The possible cutaneous manifestations of infectious biological warfare are multiple and vary depending on the agent used. An ulcerous and/or necrotic syndrome and/or regional lymphadenitis syndrome are possible with anthrax, tularaemia, bubonic plague and emission of trichotecene mycotoxins. A vesiculo-pustular syndrome with fever is provoked by smallpox, melioidosis and glanders. A purpural and/or haemorrhagic syndrome is seen during haemorrhagic fever viruses and septicaemic plague. These cutaneous manifestations are excellent markers that orient and alert when they occur in a context of a situation at risk, when several cases are observed in a usually non-exposed population and with extra-dermatological syndromes. They permit the early initiation of treatment.