UK Role 4 military infectious diseases and tropical medicine cases in 2005–2013

IntroductionInfectious diseases are a frequent cause of morbidity among British troops. The aim of this paper is to describe the spectrum of infectious diseases seen when UK service personnel are evacuated for definitive care to the Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility based at Birmingham Heartlands Ho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ military health 2018-05, Vol.164 (2), p.77-82
Main Authors: Burns, Daniel S, Riley, M R, Mason, A, Bailey, M S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Armed forces
Ebola virus
Evacuations & rescues
Hepatitis
HIV
Hospitals
Human immunodeficiency virus
Infectious diseases
Malaria
Military deployment
Military engagements
Military personnel
Parasitic diseases
Tropical diseases
Tuberculosis
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Summary:IntroductionInfectious diseases are a frequent cause of morbidity among British troops. The aim of this paper is to describe the spectrum of infectious diseases seen when UK service personnel are evacuated for definitive care to the Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.MethodA retrospective analysis of all military patients presenting with infectious diseases and treated at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital between 14 April 2005 and 31 December 2013 was undertaken.ResultsDuring this period, 502 patients were identified. Infections originated in 49 countries, most commonly Afghanistan (46% cases), the UK (10% cases) and Belize (9% of cases). The most common presentations were dermatological conditions, gastroenterological illnesses and undifferentiated fevers.ConclusionUK service personnel in significant numbers continue to suffer a wide range of infectious diseases, acquired throughout the globe, which often require specialist tertiary infection services to diagnose and manage. Future prospective data collection is recommended to identify trends, which in turn will inform military training needs and future research priorities in the Defence Medical Services (DMS) and allows development of appropriate policies and clinical guidelines for management of DMS personnel with infectious diseases.
ISSN:0035-8665
2633-3767
2052-0468
2633-3775
DOI:10.1136/jramc-2017-000815