Researchers combat ‘traveler’s trots’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elaine Aviles
  • 39th Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) --  Incirlik has many claims to fame, particularly during its support of operations Northern Watch and Enduring Freedom. While proud of their endeavors, most people would probably choose to do without one infamous part of Incirlik life -- diarrhea.

Unfortunately for residents, Incirlik has a 10 to 15 times higher rate of traveler’s diarrhea, known locally as the “Turkish Trots,” than anywhere else in the European theater.

“It’s miserable,” said Penny Whaley, child development center program technician and a recent victim. “I felt really sick for about three days.”

Whaley missed a day of work, a common side effect of the illness.

“Diarrhea can have an enormous impact on the mission,” said Jim Johnston, Incirlik’s diarrhea research coordinator. “It can render people incapable of carrying out their jobs.”

While a nuisance to some, for others diarrhea is much more serious. It is the No. 2 killer of children younger than 5 within developing countries and ranks fourth as a global cause of death, according to the World Health Organization.

The seriousness and frequency of diarrhea prompted base officials to contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta in 1998. In turn, CDC officials contacted Naval Medical Research Unit-3 in Cairo, Egypt, which oversees the area. They sent a team to Incirlik to evaluate the problem.

The team found the most common causes of diarrhea were the common germs that many travelers are exposed to in developing countries. This find led to further research studies by 39th Medical Group and Naval officials, including one this summer designed to determine the most effective treatment.

“Our goal is to find a better way to diagnose, prevent and treat diarrhea,” Johnston said. “We want to get people well and back to work as quickly as possible.”

Researchers timed the study to coincide with the summer, when the risk of diarrhea is at its peak. With the temperature rising, researchers are expecting diarrhea incidents to rise as well.

“June, July and August are when people are most susceptible to food-borne illnesses,” Johnston said. “The heat increases the growth rate of bacteria.”

While many may prefer to keep their illness under wraps, researchers are encouraging people to seek help.

“We’ll analyze stool-sample results for specific organisms, and (people will) receive prompt treatment,” Johnston said. “We’re trying to measure cures in a matter of hours rather than days. That’s better than suffering for three to four days without treatment.”

The study is open to active-duty members and civilians. Participants are asked to donate stool and blood samples twice in a seven-day period.

Although a stool donation may not top most people’s list of favorite things to do, the study team is hoping to make it worthwhile. Participants are rewarded with direct access to medical care, $25 up front and another $25 upon completion.

“Even more importantly, people have the chance to make a real difference -- not only at Incirlik but for people worldwide,” said Johnston.