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Schawaller M, Wiemer D, Hagen RM, Frickmann H. Infectious diseases in German military personnel after predominantly tropical deployments: a retrospective assessment over 13 years. BMJ Mil Health 2023; 169:146-151. [PMID: 33257519 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Military deployments to the tropics are associated with specific infection risks. To add to the available epidemiological information, infectious disease risks in German military personnel returning from predominantly tropical deployments were assessed. METHODS Since 2006, German soldiers returning from predominantly tropical deployments have been offered the opportunity of returnee screenings at the Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases of the Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg. Case files and diagnostic results recorded between 2006 and 2018 were retrospectively assessed to identify deployment-associated infectious disease risks. RESULTS Along with high enteric colonisation rates with apathogenic protozoa and resistant Enterobacteriaceae, direct or indirect proof of infections among the 764 assessed cases comprised Plasmodium spp (n=37), Giardia duodenalis (n=21), Schistosoma spp (n=14), Yersinia enterocolitica (n=5), Strongyloides stercoralis (n=3), Campylobacter jejuni (n=1), Leishmania spp (n=1) and Salmonella enterica (n=1), as well as latent infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (n=8). The infections were mainly imported from the African region and Eastern Mediterranean region and high proportions of cases lacked typical symptoms. Reported side effect rates of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis for mefloquine (n=121), atovaquone/proguanil (n=49) and doxycycline (n=6) were 36.3%, 19.3% and 11.8%, respectively, while non-compliance rates were 12.9%, 13.0% and 5.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Considerable rates of infections with sometimes atypical or absent symptoms confirm a need for returnee screenings after tropical deployments. High reported side effect rates for mefloquine support its replacement by atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline for antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Schawaller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Wiemer
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R M Hagen
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehrzentralkrankenhaus Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - H Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Murphy RJ. Communicable diseases in humanitarian operations and disasters. BMJ Mil Health 2022; 168:457-461. [PMID: 32123000 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Military organisations have battled communicable disease for millennia. They have pioneered disease prevention from the Crusades to the World Wars and continue to do so today. Predeployment vaccinations and chemoprophylaxis are effective in preventing communicable disease, as is reliable vector destruction and bite prevention, especially in the era of multidrug resistant organisms. These measures are unlikely to be fully possible in disasters, but reactive vaccination and efforts to reduce exposure to communicable disease should be a priority. Communicable diseases can be challenging to diagnose-the UK Defence Medical Services have become familiar with tools such as multiplex PCR and mass spectrometry. These have the potential to accurately identify organisms and sensitivity patterns in austere environments. Management of communicable diseases depends on accurate diagnosis and has a largely well-established evidence base but can be limited by a lack of resources and skills in an austere setting, therefore telemedicine can assist diagnosis and treatment of infections by projecting specialist skill. Systems such as EpiNATO2 are useful in monitoring diseases and identifying trends in order to establish control measures. Many of these tools and techniques are effective in austere environments and offer learning opportunities for those providing care in similar settings. Further research is ongoing into diagnostic tools as well as remote management.
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Biswas JS, Lentaigne J, Burns DS, Osborne JC, Simpson AJ, Hutley EJ, Hill NE, Bailey MS. Undifferentiated febrile illnesses in South Sudan: a case series from Operation TRENTON from June to August 2017. BMJ Mil Health 2020; 167:358-361. [PMID: 32094218 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2019-001238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Undifferentiated febrile illnesses present diagnostic and treatment challenges in the Firm Base, let alone in the deployed austere environment. We report a series of 14 cases from Operation TRENTON in South Sudan in 2017 that coincided with the rainy season, increased insect numbers and a Relief in Place. The majority of patients had headaches, myalgia, arthralgia and back pain, as well as leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. No diagnoses could be made in theatre, despite a sophisticated deployed laboratory being available, and further testing in the UK, including next-generation sequencing, was unable to establish an aetiology. Such illnesses are very likely to present in tropical environments, where increasing numbers of military personnel are being deployed, and clinicians must be aware of the non-specific presentation and treatment, as well as the availability of Military Infection Reachback services to assist in the management of these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Biswas
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK .,Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - J Lentaigne
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - D S Burns
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - J C Osborne
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Public Health England Porton, Salisbury, UK
| | - A J Simpson
- Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, Public Health England Porton, Salisbury, UK
| | - E J Hutley
- Centre of Defence Pathology, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - N E Hill
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - M S Bailey
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
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Frickmann H, Herchenröder O. Chikungunya Virus Infections in Military Deployments in Tropical Settings-A Narrative Minireview. Viruses 2019; 11:E550. [PMID: 31197085 PMCID: PMC6631184 DOI: 10.3390/v11060550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever is a vector-borne viral disease in subtropical and tropical areas of endemicity. Apart from the burden on local populations, chikungunya virus infection also poses a risk for travelers and, in particular, soldiers during prolonged deployment-associated outdoor activities. The absence of rapid diagnostic tests makes surveillance challenging during military deployments in war and crisis zones with restricted medical infrastructure. Consequently, both historical and up-to-date surveillance data from battlefields are scarce. From several studies and postdeployment assessments, some information on the epidemiology of chikungunya virus infections in deployed military personnel is nevertheless available. The few published data homogeneously suggest a low infection risk in the endemic setting. During outbreaks, however, the infection risk of military personnel is comparable to that of the local population. Infection clusters of soldiers without pronounced outdoor activity have been reported under such circumstances as well. In spite of efforts focusing on the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine, no licensed product is available so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagen Frickmann
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, 22049 Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ottmar Herchenröder
- Institute for Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany.
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Thompson DC, Bailey MS, Bowley D, Jacob S. Encephalitis on deployment in Kenya: think beyond the infections. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2019; 165:374-376. [PMID: 30992337 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2018-001115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A 34-year-old female soldier presented with fever and behavioural changes while deployed in Kenya and was diagnosed with encephalitis. The patient underwent urgent aeromedical evacuation to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for further management. Microbiology tests excluded common infectious causes that are endemic in the East Africa region. However, an autoantibody screen was positive for antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Full body imaging confirmed the presence of limbic encephalitis and an ovarian mass suggestive of a teratoma. The patient was diagnosed with ovarian teratoma-associated anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a potentially fatal disease. The patient underwent surgery to remove the teratoma and commenced immunotherapy with steroids, plasma exchange and rituximab. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of fever with behavioural changes in military personnel deployed in a tropical environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M S Bailey
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Bowley
- Department of Surgery, 16 Medical Regiment, Colchester, UK.,Department of Surgery, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - S Jacob
- Department of Neurology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Parsons I, Hutley EJ, Gibb I, Lentaigne J, Wilson D, Cox AT. Deployed military general internal physician’s toolkit: the recent past and near future. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2018; 164:230-234. [DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2017-000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionThe role of the military physician in Deployed Hospital Care involves the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of disease states. Broad clinical skills need to be complemented by judicious use of a limited array of investigations. No study has specifically quantified what investigations physicians use on operations.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was performed to ascertain what investigations were undertaken on all patients managed by the General Internal Medicine teams over a 14 month period during a recent enduring operation in Afghanistan. A record was also made of investigations that were unavailable but considered desirable by the treating physician in order to inform clinical or occupational decisions.Results676 patients were admitted during the study period. Blood tests were performed in 96% of patients, plain radiographs in 50%, CT in 12% and ultrasound in 12%. An ECG was performed in over half (57%) and a peak flow in 11%. The most desirable, but unavailable, investigations were cardiac monitoring and echocardiography (24% and 12% of patients, respectively).DiscussionThe data produced by this study both identified and quantified the investigations used by physicians during a mature operational deployment. This can be used in addition to accurate medical intelligence to inform and rationalise the diagnostic requirements for future operations as well as the provision of training. Technological advancements, particularly in weight and portability, are likely to enable more complex investigational modalities to be performed further forward on military deployments.
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Burns DS, Clay KA, Bailey MS. Leptospirosis in a British soldier after travel to Borneo. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2016; 162:473-475. [PMID: 27680577 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2015-000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Undifferentiated febrile illness in a returning soldier is a common problem encountered by serving medical officers. A 32-year-old soldier presented to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital with fever and acute kidney injury after return from Borneo. Leptospirosis was suspected and empirical antibiotics were started before subsequent confirmation by serology and PCR. Leptospirosis is common in South-East Asia, and troops exercising in jungle areas, and in the UK, are at risk. Advice, including inpatient management when appropriate, is available from the UK Role 4 Military Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Burns
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Army Medical Directorate, Camberley, UK
| | - K A Clay
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Army Medical Directorate, Camberley, UK
| | - M S Bailey
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
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Newman ENC, Johnstone P, Bridge H, Wright D, Jameson L, Bosworth A, Hatch R, Hayward-Karlsson J, Osborne J, Bailey MS, Green A, Ross D, Brooks T, Hewson R. Seroconversion for infectious pathogens among UK military personnel deployed to Afghanistan, 2008-2011. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 20:2015-22. [PMID: 25418685 PMCID: PMC4257834 DOI: 10.3201/eid2012.131830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Military personnel are at high risk of contracting vector-borne and zoonotic infections, particularly during overseas deployments, when they may be exposed to endemic or emerging infections not prevalent in their native countries. We conducted seroprevalence testing of 467 UK military personnel deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, during 2008-2011 and found that up to 3.1% showed seroconversion for infection with Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, sandfly fever virus, or hantavirus; none showed seroconversion for infection with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Most seroconversions occurred in personnel who did not report illness, except for those with hantavirus (70% symptomatic). These results indicate that many exposures to infectious pathogens, and potentially infections resulting from those exposures, may go unreported. Our findings reinforce the need for continued surveillance of military personnel and for education of health care providers to help recognize and prevent illnesses and transmission of pathogens during and after overseas deployments.
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Osborne LG, Brown M, Bailey MS. Enteric fever in a British soldier from Sierra Leone. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2015; 162:226-8. [PMID: 26243802 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2015-000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Enteric fever (typhoid and paratyphoid) remains a threat to British troops overseas and causes significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a soldier who developed typhoid despite appropriate vaccination and field hygiene measures, which began 23 days after returning from a deployment in Sierra Leone. The incubation period was longer than average, symptoms started 2 days after stopping doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis and initial blood cultures were negative. The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi eventually isolated was resistant to amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, co-trimoxazole and nalidixic acid and had reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin. He was successfully treated with ceftriaxone followed by azithromycin, but 1 month later he remained fatigued and unable to work. The clinical and laboratory features of enteric fever are non-specific and the diagnosis should be considered in troops returning from an endemic area with a febrile illness. Multiple blood cultures and referral to a specialist unit may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy G Osborne
- Department of Infection & Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK Army Medical Directorate, Camberley, UK
| | - M Brown
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital Trust, London, UK
| | - M S Bailey
- Department of Infection & Tropical Medicine, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK Academic Department of Military Medicine, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
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Wilson DR. Trench fever: a relapsing fever occurring among the British troops in France and Salonica. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2014; 160 Suppl 1:i4-6. [PMID: 24845898 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2014-000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bandara M, Ananda M, Wickramage K, Berger E, Agampodi S. Globalization of leptospirosis through travel and migration. Global Health 2014; 10:61. [PMID: 25112368 PMCID: PMC4131158 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-014-0061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis remains the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world, commonly found in tropical or temperate climates. While previous studies have offered insight into intra-national and intra-regional transmission, few have analyzed transmission across international borders. Our review aimed at examining the impact of human travel and migration on the re-emergence of Leptospirosis. Results suggest that alongside regional environmental and occupational exposure, international travel now constitute a major independent risk factor for disease acquisition. Contribution of travel associated leptospirosis to total caseload is as high as 41.7% in some countries. In countries where longitudinal data is available, a clear increase of proportion of travel-associated leptospirosis over the time is noted. Reporting patterns is clearly showing a gross underestimation of this disease due to lack of diagnostic facilities. The rise in global travel and eco-tourism has led to dramatic changes in the epidemiology of Leptospirosis. We explore the obstacles to prevention, screening and diagnosis of Leptopirosis in health systems of endemic countries and of the returning migrant or traveler. We highlight the need for developing guidelines and preventive strategies of Leptospirosis related to travel and migration, including enhancing awareness of the disease among health professionals in high-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Suneth Agampodi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
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Rapp C, Aoun O, Ficko C, Andriamanantena D, Flateau C. Infectious diseases related aeromedical evacuation of French soldiers in a level 4 military treatment facility: A ten year retrospective analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:355-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bailey MS. A brief history of British military experiences with infectious and tropical diseases. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2013; 159:150-7. [DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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