Pneumonia Outbreak in US Army Trainees Linked to Chlamydia pneumoniae
Author Information
Author(s): Dawood Fatimah S, Ambrose John F, Russell Bruce P, Hawksworth Anthony W, Winchell Jonas M, Glass Nina, Thurman Kathleen, Soltis Michele A, McDonough Erin, Warner Agnes K, Weston Emily, Clemmons Nakia S, Rosen Jennifer, Mitchell Stephanie L, Faix Dennis J, Blair Patrick J, Moore Matthew R, Lowery John
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Could Chlamydia pneumoniae infection be contributing to pneumonia outbreaks among military trainees?
Conclusion
The outbreak of pneumonia among military trainees may have been influenced by both S. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae infections.
Supporting Evidence
- 15% of trainees in Alpha Company were colonized with pneumococcus.
- C. pneumoniae was identified in 31% of specimens from symptomatic trainees.
- The average weekly attack rate of pneumonia was significantly higher in Alpha Company compared to other companies.
Takeaway
Some soldiers got really sick with pneumonia, and doctors found two germs that might have made them sick. They think both germs could be causing the problem.
Methodology
The study involved reviewing medical records, conducting surveys, and collecting nasal swabs from trainees.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on diagnostic tests performed by treating clinicians without systematic testing.
Limitations
The investigation began after most pneumonia cases had occurred, limiting the ability to systematically identify the outbreak's etiology.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 22 years, with a majority being male (96% in Alpha Company).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website