"Prepositioning Antibiotics for Anthrax" ed. by Clare Stroud, Kristin Viswanathan, Tia Powell, and Robert R. Bass

This book reviews the scientific evidence on the time window in which antibiotics successfully prevent anthrax and the implications for decision making about prepositioning, describes potential prepositioning strategies, and develops a framework to assist state, local, and tribal public health authorities in determining whether prepositioning strategies would be beneficial for their communities.

Based on an analysis of the likely health benefits, health risks, and relative costs of the different prepositioning strategies, the book also develops findings and recommendations to provide jurisdictions with some practical insights as to the circumstances in which different prepositioning strategies may be beneficial.
Finally, the book identifies federal- and national-level actions that would facilitate the evaluation and development of prepositioning strategies.

Contents
SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
Study Charge
Study Context
Methods and Definitions
Study Approach and Scope
Organization of the Report
References
2 ANTIBIOTICS FOR ANTHRAX POSTEXPOSURE
PROPHYLAXIS
Antibiotics Approved for Postexposure Prophylaxis of Inhalational Anthrax
The Threat of Antibiotic-Resistant Anthrax
Incubation Period of Inhalational Anthrax: Existing Data and Areas of Uncertainty
Impact of Time to Detection on Dispensing of PEP Antibiotics
Summary
References
3 CURRENT DISPENSING STRATEGIES FOR MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURES FOR ANTHRAX
Current MCM Distribution and Dispensing System
Concerns About the Current Dispensing System
Legal and Regulatory Issues in MCM Dispensing
Summary
References
4 PREPOSITIONING STRATEGIES
Forward-Deployed Medical Countermeasures
Cached Medical Countermeasures
Predispensed Medical Countermeasures
References
5 A DECISION-AIDING FRAMEWORK
Assessment of Risk and Current Capabilities
Incorporation of Ethical Principles and Community Values
Evaluation of Potential MCM Prepositioning Strategies for Anthrax
Findings and Recommendations on the Benefits, Costs, and Suitability of Alternative Prepositioning Strategies
References
6 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR MOVING FORWARD
Actions for State, Local, and Tribal Public Health Officials
Federal/National-Level Actions
Research Needs
Concluding Remarks
APPENDIXES
A Acronyms
B Public Meeting Agendas
C First-Order Model
D Commissioned Paper: A Cost and Speed Analysis of Strategies for Prepositioning Antibiotics for Anthrax
E Committee Biosketches
INDEX