| Summary: | Background. Biodefense in military operation assignments is an efforts to
defend against biological agents that used as weapons by the sides involved in a
conflict, as well as against endemic infectious diseases. The Garuda XXIII
Contingent has been on assignment in Lebanon since 2005, and the Garuda XX
Contingent in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2003. Hepatitis B
in Lebanon and Malaria in DRC are endemic infectious diseases that are highly
prevalent in each respective area.
Objective. To assess how exposure towards endemic infectious diseases and other
biological agents affect personnel health status, as well as the effectiveness of
preparation and precautionary measures.
Method. Cohort study was performed on 275 Lebanon Team members and 175
DRC team members. Pre-deployment data was obtained from health selection
examination results, on-deployment data from medical records taken throughout
the deployment period, post-deployment data from the post-deployment health
examination. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi-square and
multivariat technique, molecular analysis was carried out on hepatitis B virus and
malarial Plasmodium DNA.
Result. There was a significant decline (p=0.000) in the post deployment health
status of personnel from both deployment areas, as well as significant health
status decline (p=0.032) among members infected by endemic diseases during
their deployment. 8 members (2.9%) of the Lebanon team were found as hepatitis
B positive based on rapid test examination, confirmed through serology and
molecular (PCR and genotyping) methods. These methods show all specimens are
consistent with the hepatitis B genotype B (HBV/B) cluster, thus it is highly likely
that infection occurred not in Lebanon, but in Indonesia prior to deployment.
Microscope and PCR analysis were carried out for 4 members of the DRC team
who were diagnosed with P. vivax infection during deployment, results show no
Plasmodium DNA. Physical examination on infectious disease cases during and
after deployments did not yield any clinical symptoms of biological agent
infections that might have been used as weapons.
Conclusion. Exposure of endemic diseases results in a decline in post-deployment
health conditions. Physical examinations do not show any evidence of exposure
from biological agents that may be used as weapons.
Keywords: Biodefense, infectious endemic diseases and other biological agents,
health status.
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