The Naval Health Research Center Respiratory Disease Laboratory

Concern about emerging and reemerging respiratory pathogens prompted the de velopment of a respiratory disease reference laboratory at the Naval Health Research Center. Professionals working in this laboratory have instituted population-based surveillance for pathogens that affect military trainees a nd responded to threats of increased respiratory disease among high-risk mi litary groups. Capabilities of this laboratory that are unique within the D epartment of Defense include adenovirus testing by viral shell culture and microneutralization serotyping, influenza culture and hemagglutination inhi bition serotyping, and other special testing for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes. Mycoplasma pneumonia, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Pro jected capabilities of this laboratory include more advanced testing for th ese pathogens and testing for other emerging pathogens, including Bordetell a pertussis, Legionella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Such capabilities make the laboratory a valuable resource for military public h ealth.