Which of the following is an example of a Category B bio-terrorism agent?

Q fever is classified as a Category B bioterrorism agent due to its moderate ease of dissemination and relatively low morbidity and mortality rates compared to Category A agents. It is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can be spread through inhalation of contaminated aerosols, making it a concern for bioweapons.

Category B agents are typically less virulent than Category A agents, but can still pose a significant risk to public health, agriculture, and the economy. Understanding the classification of these agents is essential for emergency preparedness and response planning, as public health officials need to prioritize resources and interventions based on the threat level associated with different biological agents.

In contrast, smallpox, anthrax, and plague are all categorized as Category A agents, characterized by their high potential to be disseminated or transmitted from person to person, their high mortality rates, and the requirement for special actions for public health preparedness. This classification impacts how health systems establish protocols for dealing with bioterrorism threats.