ABSTRACT
Guides for Emergency Response: Biological Agent or Weapon: Staphylococcal Enterotoxin (SEB) AGENT: Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB): Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B is one of several exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureau that causes food poison when ingested. A biological warfare attack using aerosol delivery of SEB to the respiratory tract produces a distinct syndrome causing signifi cant morbidity and potential mortality. SEB is a common contributor to staphylococcal food poisoning and could be used by terrorists as an aerosol. However, since inhalation disease is not a natural phenomena for SEB, intentional aerosolization could be easily recognized. Its action is rapid but not too serious. Inhalation following aerolization could cause up to 80 percent of those exposed to become ill.
