Defining Antimicrobial Textile Requirements for Military Applications - A Gap Analysis.

摘要

Warfighters are at high risk for incidence of hygiene and medical conditions related to bacterial and fungal outgrowth while in training and deployment operations. This report summarizes a literature search, conducted between April 2014 and August 2015, of skin physiology, incident rates and costs of common medical and health conditions among military personnel, and the benefits and risks of incorporating antimicrobial technology in Warfighter Clothing and Individual Equipment (CIE). The purpose was to collect data as basis for future efforts to define specific requirements for incorporating antimicrobial textiles (AMTs) in CIE components to reduce the incidence of these conditions, which are costing the military up to $1 billion in treatment costs per year and are compromising mission accomplishment. Four groups of health and medical issues relevant to Warfighters are discussed: odor, bacterial infections, fungal skin conditions, and bacterial female health issues. Data were found on incident rates of the bacterial and fungal infections because many required medical treatment. Modeling studies were conducted using these rates to approximate treatment costs. However, it is believed that other bacterial and fungal irritations occurred and went unreported because individuals felt treatment was unnecessary, and there were little data on odor issues due to lack of a reporting mechanism. There were also very little conclusive laboratory and field test data on the effectiveness, risks, and potential for bacterial resistance of use of AMTs. For an antimicrobial performance standard to be established, more research is needed regarding the short- and long-term effects and safety of AMT on human skin and the risk versus benefit of deploying a uniform ensemble with AMTs incorporated. Recommendations are offered in several categories for bridging the current knowledge gaps.