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Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2015 Aug 14. doi: 10.1111/irv.12345. [Epub ahead of print]
Elevated transmission of upper respiratory illness among new recruits in military barracks in Thailand.
Levy JW1, Bhoomiboonchoo P1, Simasathien S2, Salje H3, Huang A1, Rangsin R2, Jarman RG1, Fernandez S1, Chonticha K1, Kittinun H1, Gibbons RV1, Yoon IK1.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
New 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.
METHODS:
Recruits in four successive Royal Thai Army basic training classes living in military barracks were monitored for 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 analysis of bed locations within the barracks.
RESULTS:
ILI/URI 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.
CONCLUSION:
Basic 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Human; Military; Respiratory Tract Infections; Thailand; Transmission
PMID: 26271648 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Elevated transmission of upper respiratory illness among new recruits in military barracks in Thailand.
Levy JW1, Bhoomiboonchoo P1, Simasathien S2, Salje H3, Huang A1, Rangsin R2, Jarman RG1, Fernandez S1, Chonticha K1, Kittinun H1, Gibbons RV1, Yoon IK1.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
New 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.
METHODS:
Recruits in four successive Royal Thai Army basic training classes living in military barracks were monitored for 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 analysis of bed locations within the barracks.
RESULTS:
ILI/URI 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.
CONCLUSION:
Basic 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Human; Military; Respiratory Tract Infections; Thailand; Transmission
PMID: 26271648 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]