Category A agents

Describe the CDC system for the categorization of biological agents of concern, with particular attention to Category A agents. 

Describe the clinical presentation of patients infected with Category A agents. 

Discuss the potential public health impactofan outbreak involving any Category A agent as well as the appropriate public health agencies involved in managing such an outbreak. 

Category B agents are the second-highest priority risk agents as determined by the CDC. They share certain characteristics such as the potential for moderate morbidity and lower mortality, compared with Category A agents. They are moderately easy to disseminate and require specific diagnostic capabilities, as well as increased disease surveillance for detection. Several... 

Thlaremia is a nationally notifiable disease, and its significant infectivity via inhalation makes this agent a potential choice for bioterrorism. As for other Category A agents, any suspected or confirmed case of tularemia is an indication for immediate notifications of the hospital infection control officer, and local and state health departments. 

Which of the following Category A agents require BSL-4 laboratory facilities ... 

Which Category A agent classically causes a hemorrhagic mediastinitis, with rapid progression to respiratory failure ... 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Category A agents produce several key clinical syndromes. Recognition of these syndromes can assist clinicians in early detection of biological events. 

Describe the primary syndromes associated with CDC Category A agents. 

Respiratory Syndrome. Several of the Category A agents produce rapidly progressive respiratory symptoms, in-... 

NIH, NIAID biodefense research agenda for CDC category A agents. Progress Report, August 2003, available at http //www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/ research/bioresearchagenda.pdf. 

Category A agents These agents occupy the highest rank, as they can be easily disseminated and transmitted from one person to another. They cause the highest mortality and are a major public health concern. Examples include Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and Yersinia pestis (plague). 

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