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Diarrhea in U.S. troops deployed to Thailand
P Echeverria1, L R Jackson, C W Hoge
1Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1993
Summary
A study found that 28% of U.S. military personnel in Thailand developed diarrhea. Campylobacter jejuni was the most common cause identified in those who submitted specimens.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases pose a significant risk to military personnel during deployments.
- Understanding the etiology of diarrhea in deployed populations is crucial for public health and operational readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and identify the causative agents of diarrhea among U.S. military personnel deployed to Ubonratchathani, Thailand.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 333 U.S. military personnel deployed for one month.
- Diarrhea incidence was recorded, and stool specimens were collected and analyzed from individuals experiencing diarrhea.
Main Results:
- Ninety-five (28%) personnel developed diarrhea during the deployment.
- Among 24 analyzed specimens, Campylobacter jejuni was identified in 25%, attaching and effacing Escherichia coli in 13%, nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. in 8%, and rotavirus in 4%.
Conclusions:
- Diarrhea is a common health issue for U.S. military personnel in Thailand.
- Campylobacter jejuni is a primary pathogen responsible for infectious diarrhea in this deployed population, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.