New approaches to detection and identification of Rickettsia africae and Ehrlichia ruminantium in Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from the Caribbean.

Imported from Africa in the 1700s and despite frequent modern eradication efforts, Amblyomma variegatum (F.) spread through the Caribbean by cattle transport, small ruminants, and migrating birds. A.

Fifteen-year study of the changing epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Purpose: The study's purpose was to elucidate the evolutionary, microbiologic, and clinical characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

Methods: MRSA cases from military medical facilities in San Diego, from 1990 to 2004, were evaluated and categorized as community-acquired or nosocomial. Sequence type, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette gene type, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene status were determined for a subset of isolates.

Epidemic infectious gastrointestinal illness aboard U.S. Navy ships deployed to the Middle East during peacetime operations--2000-2001.

Background: Infectious gastrointestinal illness (IGI) outbreaks have been reported in U.S. Navy ships and could potentially have an adverse mission impact.

Gastroenteritis in US Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Background: Approximately 83,000 US Marines participated in the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Spring 2003. A Navy Preventive Medicine laboratory was set up in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, to provide clinical diagnostic support for Marine medical units during a period of repositioning in south-central Iraq.

Methods: Specimen collection boxes were sent to >30 primary care medical stations handling 500-900 personnel each.

Homologous versus heterologous immune responses to Norwalk-like viruses among crew members after acute gastroenteritis outbreaks on 2 US Navy vessels.

Host immune responses to human caliciviruses are difficult to study because of the lack of a clear definition of antigenic or serological types. This report describes antibody responses to several Norwalk-like viruses in large outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis on 2 US Navy ships. Enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) were used to measure antibody responses.

Endemic infectious diseases of Afghanistan.

The current crisis in Afghanistan has resulted in an influx of Western military personnel, peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, and journalists. At the same time, unprecedented numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees have overwhelmed much of the already fragile infrastructure, setting the stage for outbreaks of infectious diseases among both foreigners and local populations. This review surveys the literature concerning the infectious diseases of Afghanistan and south-central Asia, with particular emphasis on diseases not typically seen in the Western world.