[Dermatological aspects in the risk of biological warfare]

Presse Med. 2005 Jan 29;34(2 Pt 2):189-92. doi: 10.1016/s0755-4982(05)83901-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Warfare / prevention & control*
  • Bioterrorism / prevention & control*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disaster Planning
  • Humans
  • Information Services
  • Internet
  • Lymphadenitis / etiology
  • Lymphadenitis / prevention & control
  • Necrosis
  • Physical Examination
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases / etiology*
  • Skin Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Skin Ulcer / etiology
  • Skin Ulcer / prevention & control