Implementation of bioterrorism agents diagnosis by electron microscopy in Portuguese reference laboratory

Cordeiro, Rita; Jordão, Luísa; Pelerito, Ana; Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel; Núncio, Maria Sofia

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/4666

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Authors

Cordeiro, Rita

Jordão, Luísa

Pelerito, Ana

Lopes de Carvalho, Isabel

Núncio, Maria Sofia

Abstract(s)

Biological terrorist attacks have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents of terrorism and their potential impact. In response to these attacks, authorities worldwide increased their preparedness for dealing with bioterrorism. One major focus was to set up and improve procedures for the rapid and reliable detection (or exclusion) of relevant pathogens in samples suspected to contain such organisms. Because of a number of unique advantages, electron microscopy (EM) formed an integral part of these procedures. The Portuguese National Institute of Health through Emergency Response and Biopreparedness Unit (UREB) is prepared to recognize and respond to biological events, including bioterrorism, or catastrophes being responsible for the identification of the etiological agent.