PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Hagen, Ralf Matthias
AU  - Loderstaedt, U
AU  - Frickmann, H
TI  - An evaluation of the potential use of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species as agents for deliberate release
AID  - 10.1136/jramc-2013-000186
DP  - 2014 Dec 01
TA  - Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
PG  - 289--294
VI  - 160
IP  - 4
4099  - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/4/289.short
4100  - http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/160/4/289.full
SO  - J R Army Med Corps2014 Dec 01; 160
AB  - Introduction We evaluated the potential of Cryptosporidium spp. for intentional transmission as a terrorist tactic in asymmetric conflicts in terms of the recognised optimum conditions for biological warfare. Methods Published and widely accepted criteria regarding the optimum conditions for the success of biological warfare based on experience from passive biological warfare research were applied to hypothetical intentional Cryptosporidium spp. transmission. Result The feasibility of the use of Cryptosporidium spp. transmission for terrorist purposes was established. Particularly on tropical deployments with poor hygiene conditions, such attacks might have a good chance of remaining undetected as a deliberate terrorist attack. Conclusions Intentional transmission should be suspected in cases of sudden outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, particularly where adequate food and drinking water hygiene precautions are being enforced. Appropriate diagnostic procedures should be available so that the diagnosis is not missed.