title: Outbreak of Pneumococcal Pneumonia among Military Recruits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Between 04 Mar 2002 to 21 Mar 2002, 31 cases of pneumonia were admitted at a military hospital in South India. Most of these cases were young recruits. The out break was investigated to ascertain the cause and suggest preventive measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Detailed epidemiological history was taken from all 31 cases and 100 controls. Case sheets, laboratory reports and chest radiographs were studied. Laboratory investigations included sputum examination by Gram stain and blood cultures on brain heart infusion broth. Cultures grown on liquid media were subcultured on solid media. The regimental centre was visited to note the living and environmental conditions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epidemiological investigations revealed overcrowding in the regimental centre. The space per recruit was below recommended standards. 51.6% of recruits who contacted pneumonia were sleeping on double deckers as compared to 21% of healthy controls. Blood culture was positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae in 25.8% of the cases. Chest radiograph showed consolidation typical of lobar pneumonia in 67% of the cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The outbreak of pneumococcal pneumonia occurred due to overcrowding. Chilly weather conditions and stress were contributing factors.
authors.affiliation: DADH 101 Area, C/o 99 APO.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Microbiology), Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Kalghatgi
authors.affiliation: Ex-Professor & Head, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-411 040.
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Saiprasad
authors.affiliation: Senior Adviser (Pathology & Microbiology), Command Hospital (Central Command), Chandimandir.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagendra
authors.affiliation: DDMS 12 Corps, C/o 56 APO.
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Panda
authors.affiliation: Ex-Director General Medical Services (Air), Air HQ, New Delhi.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dham
authors.affiliation: DADH, HQ 14 Infantry Division, C/o 56 APO.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahen
authors.affiliation: Commanding Officer, Military Hospital Bakloh, Chamba.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Pathology), 155 Base Hospital, C/o 99 APO.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
keywords: Military recruits; Outbreak; Overcrowding; Pneumococcal; Pneumonia