Operational Infectious Diseases
Contact Information:
Phone: (619) 553-8400, DSN: 553-8400, Fax: 553-9389, E-mail: nhrc-info@med.navy.mil
Description: The Operational Infectious Diseases group (Dept. 166) conducts active, laboratory-based surveillance of US military populations in unique environments to quantify and study the etiology of respiratory illnesses. We test specimens from our ongoing surveillance programs and from special investigations of febrile respiratory illness and pneumonia among military personnel or civilians (recruits, forces afloat, deployed forces, and outbreaks of concern, border populations). Leveraging these surveillance studies, we are able to address the safety and efficacy of drugs, vaccines, and new diagnostics as they impact operational health concerns. Results are provided to our customers, the Global Emerging Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response System, and other federal agencies.
In conducting our mission, the Operational Infectious Diseases group employs both classic culture and cutting-edge technology and has developed many diagnostic capabilities for the identification of atypical pneumonia agents and specific adenovirus serotypes. Dept. 166 is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and is recognized as a leading referral source for challenging respiratory pathogen diagnoses. The department currently has 12 active, IRB-approved protocols and multiple other research/surveillance initiatives, with a network of 44 surveillance sites throughout the United States and forces afloat. The department’s on- and off-site personnel have expertise in respiratory pathogen isolation and identification, complex data management, biostatistics, vaccine research, and clinical trials. Our research is published in leading peer-reviewed medical journals, and has frequently received national media attention.
Excellence in respiratory pathogen diagnostic testing and research is our goal, and the needs of our populations at risk receive the highest priority.
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