The epidemiology of respiratory infection in an isolated Antarctic community

Abstract

SummaryThe results of a combined clinical and laboratory study of respiratory infections among members of an Australian Antarctic expedition are presented. Virus isolation and serological methods were employed, but the aetiological agent or agents responsible for respiratory infections in this group were not revealed.The clinical findings were correlated with published and unpublished studies on comparable communities, and the following broad pattern of the epidemiology of respiratory tract infections in such groups has emerged. The assembly on board ship of a party from widely separated areas often leads to infections after embarkation. On long voyages these infections may burn out, but frequently new cases are still appearing when the party arrives in Antarctica. Symptoms in sufferers at this time become more severe, suggesting that the sudden environmental change from the warmth of an air-conditioned ship to the harsher Antarctic conditions may influence the course of the respiratory infections. With isolation established in Antarctica, further cases rarely appear. On exposure to the relief party, however, infections can be expected, and it is noted that morbidity is usually low and symptoms are mild, indicating an apparent heightened resistance to infection in the acclimatized party while still on the ice.This study has further shown that most of these men, on returning to urban societies, contracted moderately severe upper respiratory tract infections in contrast to their apparent resistance when under Antarctic conditions.The suitability of these groups for experimental study, including the inoculation of volunteers, was discussed and suggestions were made for future work.