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Updated: May 27, 2026
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Serosurvey of bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens among deployed U.S. service members
Angelia A Eick1, Dennis J Faix, Steven K Tobler
1Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, 11800 Tech Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. angie.eick@us.army.mil
Background:
Respiratory illnesses can cause substantial morbidity during military deployments. Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are hypothesized causes.
Purpose:
To determine pathogen-specific seroprevalence prior to and after deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of 1000 service members deployed between June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2007, was conducted from 2008 through 2009. Pre- and post-deployment sera were tested for the presence of antibody to each pathogen.
Results:
Pre-deployment IgG seropositivity was high for adenovirus, RSV, and parainfluenza (98.7%, 97.8%, and 81.6%, respectively), whereas seropositivity for B. pertussis, M. pneumoniae, and C. pneumoniae was 14.2%, 21.9%, and 65.1%, respectively. As defined by seroconversion in 1000 subjects, the following were identified: 43 new parainfluenza infections (24% of susceptibles); 37 new pertussis infections (4% of susceptibles); 33 new C. pneumoniae infections (10% of susceptibles); and 29 new M. pneumoniae infections (4% of susceptibles). B. pertussis seroconversion was two to four times higher than reports for the general U.S. population. Overall, 14.2% of the service members seroconverted to at least one of these six pathogens; this increased to 30.1% seroconversion when influenza was included. However, serologic testing was not clearly associated with clinical illness in this report.
Conclusions:
Serologic evidence for respiratory infections was common among the 2004-2007 OEF-deployed military, sometimes at a higher rate than the general U.S. population. Awareness of this risk and implementation of preventive measures should be emphasized by leadership prior to and during deployment.
Insights
Military personnel deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom experienced high rates of respiratory infections, including Bordetella pertussis and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Pre- and post-deployment seroprevalence indicated common infections, sometimes exceeding general population rates.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Respiratory illnesses pose significant health risks to military personnel during deployments.
- Commonly hypothesized pathogens include Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pathogen-specific seroprevalence of respiratory infections before and after deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 1000 service members deployed between June 30, 2004, and June 30, 2007.
- Pre- and post-deployment serum samples were analyzed for antibodies against specific respiratory pathogens.
Main Results:
- High pre-deployment seropositivity was observed for adenovirus, RSV, and parainfluenza. Seropositivity for Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae was also notable.
- Seroconversion indicated new infections, with significant rates for parainfluenza, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae among susceptible individuals.
- Bordetella pertussis seroconversion rates were two to four times higher than in the general U.S. population. Overall, 14.2% seroconverted to at least one pathogen, rising to 30.1% with influenza inclusion.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory infection serologic evidence was prevalent in military personnel deployed during OEF (2004-2007), with some pathogens showing higher rates than the general U.S. population.
- Increased awareness of these infection risks and the implementation of preventive strategies are crucial for military leadership before and during deployments.
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