Current methods for the rapid diagnosis of bioterrorism-related infectious agents

Bioterrorism is the calculated use of violence against civilians to attain political, religious, or ideologic goals using weapons of biological warfare. Bioterrorism is particularly concerning because these weapons can be manufactured with ease and do not require highly sophisticated technology Moreover, biologic agents can be delivered and spread easily and can affect a large population and geographic area. The terrorist attacks occurring around the world necessitate society's continued investment in adequate defense against these unpredictable and irrational events.