Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection Among Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Trainees, Coronado, California, July 2008
Abstract
Community-acquired pneumonia can compromise readiness of recruits and service members operating in confined spaces. Often, respiratory pathogens are implicated in outbreaks. In July 2008, 5 Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) students entering an intense period of training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado reported with clinical symptoms and chest radiographs consistent with pneumonia. Throat and nasal swabs were tested for respiratory pathogens. Molecular evidence indicated they were infected with the atypical bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae. Thirty contemporaneous BUD/S students were tested to determine the extent of C. pneumoniae infection burden. Five additional cases were captured within this group. The 10 individuals diagnosed with C. pneumoniae were treated with a course of azithromycin, Avelox (moxifloxacin hydrochloride), and/or doxycycline. Cases ended following the isolation of cases and prophylaxis with oral antibiotics. This work highlights the importance of rapid respiratory disease diagnoses to guide the clinical response following the emergences of respiratory infections among military students.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA625989
Entities
People
- Anthony W. Hawksworth
- Dennis J. Faix
- Matthew B. Patterson
- Melinda S. Balansay
- Patrick J. Blair
- Robert G. Coon
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center