[Molecular and immunological detection of bacteria applied to bio-terrorism].

Following the episode of letters containing anthrax in the USA in 2001, the fight against bio-terrorism became a priority for many countries (including France). The detection of bacteria in bio-terrorism settings is a major component of this fight. Indeed, the early detection of these bio-terrorism agents leads to an appropriate treatment and to a reduced transmission of the disease. Bacteria are important bio-terrorism agents, and the techniques used for their detection are constantly evolving. In this review, after describing the main bacteria that can be used for bio-terrorism, we also describe the techniques available for their detection: DNA or antigen detection.