Anatomic laboratory and forensic aspects of biological threat agents

Anatomic pathology of surgical and cytologic samples and forensic autopsies is a critical component of our defense against biological terrorism. In many instances, rapid, valuable diagnosis may be obtained by the proper immediate use of the anatomic pathology laboratory. Included in this field is the work of medical examiners and coroners, who are essential public health partners for terrorism preparedness and response. The investigation of sudden, suspicious, violent, unattended, and unexplained deaths may provide the first clue to a deliberate biological attack. Medicolegal autopsies are essential to making organism-specific diagnoses in deaths caused by biological terrorism.