Abstract
BackgroundNew recruits within military barracks present conditions favorable for the spread of respiratory pathogens. However, respiratory pathogen transmission in such confined settings in the tropics has not been well studied.MethodsRecruits in four successive Royal Thai Army basic training classes living in military barracks were monitored for the symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) or upper respiratory illness (URI). Classes 1 and 2 were also monitored after basic training. Nasal/throat swabs from acute illnesses were collected and tested by influenza RT-PCR (all four classes). In addition, class 1 had multiplex PCR performed along with the analysis of bed locations within the barracks.ResultsInfluenza-like illness/upper respiratory illness rates ranged from 4·7 to 6·9 per 100 recruit-weeks in the four classes and generally decreased during the course of basic training (P < 0·05 in three of four classes). Rates during basic training were 1·7 (95% CI: 1·29, 2·29) and 2·5 (95% CI: 1·5, 4·1) times higher than after basic training (classes 1 and 2, respectively). In class 1, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, and rhinovirus were the most commonly identified respiratory pathogens; only one influenza PCR-positive infection was detected in all four classes. Bed locations of URI/ILI cases in class 1 tended to be in closer proximity to each other.ConclusionBasic training recruits in military barracks in the tropics had high rates of acute respiratory illnesses with illness patterns consistent with external seeding followed by substantial internal transmission. Our findings may contribute to control measures in similar confined settings both within and outside the military.
Highlights
Recruitment into the military and congregation of recruits in training camps brings together many people from geographically diverse areas into close living conditions
Similar to other settings, such as college dormitories, sports teams, and cruise ships, the close physical proximity of individuals in military barracks enhances the risk of the transmission of respiratory and enteric pathogens
We report the results of a respiratory illness study among new military recruits at a Royal Thai Army (RTA) barracks in Bangkok, Thailand
Summary
Recruitment into the military and congregation of recruits in training camps brings together many people from geographically diverse areas into close living conditions. Similar to other settings, such as college dormitories, sports teams, and cruise ships, the close physical proximity of individuals in military barracks enhances the risk of the transmission of respiratory and enteric pathogens. Institutions that permit frequent, longer term, and intimate contacts among individuals generally can be expected to have higher attack rates.[1] Other factors such as physical exertion and the prevalence of immunologically na€ıve individuals can contribute to the unique vulnerability of military recruits.[2]. Military personnel and children may be at greater risk of infection than other groups.[1] The effect of school closures during epidemics have demonstrated that environments with high people density can function as amplifying arenas for influenza and other respiratory diseases.[3] The large-scale mobilization of military forces during World War I was a contributing factor to the global influenza pandemic of 1918–1919.4,5 In the years since much research has been done to study respiratory illness among U.S military recruits. Respiratory pathogen transmission in such confined settings in the tropics has not been well studied
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
