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Updated: May 6, 2026
A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
Abstract:
Acute gastroenteritis and other infectious disorders of the gastrointestinal system are common in civilian and military populations. During the years 2002 through 2012, there were 286,305 cases of gastrointestinal infection (GI) diagnosed among members of the active component of the U.S. Armed Forces. The distribution of presumed causes of these illnesses (as reported in administrative medical records) was bacterial (29%), viral (68%), and parasitic (3%). Most recorded diagnoses did not specify an etiologic agent. In addition, there were 379,509 other healthcare encounters in which the recorded diagnosis was simply "diarrhea." During the period, rates of hospitalization for Clostridium difficile and "ill-defined intestinal infection" increased greatly. In the outpatient setting, rates of GI diagnoses remained stable or declined, but rates of non-specific "diarrhea" increased steadily. Among reportable infectious causes of GI, rates of both campylobacteriosis and norovirus diagnoses increased steadily since 2009. Among deployed service members with GI during the period 2005 through 2012, viral agents were most often recorded as the underlying etiology (60%). Salmonellosis was the most frequent specific bacterial etiology diagnosed among deployed service members. Countermeasures against GI among service member should be emphasized in military education programs at all levels, during field training exercises, and particularly in deployment settings.
Insights
Gastrointestinal infections are common in the U.S. military. Viral causes predominated, with increasing rates of norovirus and campylobacteriosis, highlighting the need for enhanced countermeasures and education.
Area of Science:
- Infectious diseases
- Military medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis (GI) and infectious gastrointestinal disorders are prevalent in military and civilian populations.
- A decade of data (2002-2012) revealed over 286,000 GI diagnoses in the U.S. active-duty forces.
- Viral pathogens accounted for the majority (68%) of diagnosed GI cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends and etiologies of gastrointestinal infections within the U.S. Armed Forces from 2002 to 2012.
- To identify specific pathogens and changing incidence rates of GI diagnoses.
- To inform public health strategies and countermeasures for military personnel.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of administrative medical records for U.S. active-duty military personnel.
- Categorization of GI diagnoses by presumed etiology: bacterial, viral, and parasitic.
- Examination of trends in specific infectious causes, hospitalizations, and outpatient encounters.
Main Results:
- Viral infections were the leading cause (68%) of GI, followed by bacterial (29%) and parasitic (3%).
- Significant increases in hospitalizations for Clostridium difficile and "ill-defined intestinal infection" were observed.
- Rates of campylobacteriosis and norovirus diagnoses steadily increased since 2009, particularly among deployed personnel.
Conclusions:
- Viral agents were the most frequent cause of GI in deployed service members (60%).
- Salmonellosis was the most common specific bacterial cause.
- Emphasizing GI countermeasures in military education and training is crucial, especially for deployed settings.
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