NAMRU South microbiologist aids Amazon riverine mission

Lt. Bret Peterson, a microbiologist with Naval Medical Research Unit SOUTH, has completed a 45-day riverine health security mission focused on pathogen surveillance in the Amazon, running from April 30 to June 13.

Aboard one of the Peruvian Navy’s 12 PIAS vessels, Peterson traveled to more than 30 communities as the ship delivered multiple services along the river, including access to healthcare such as vaccinations, minor surgeries, and medicines. His assignment centered on collecting blood samples to identify malaria and dengue-related illnesses, drawing on the unique opportunities for data collection in the region. The field data and biological samples are intended to sharpen researchers’ understanding of how infectious diseases affect military personnel operating in austere environments.

“Working with the Peruvian Ministry of Health’s laboratory technician, I received patient blood samples to identify positive malaria cases by microscopy and molecular diagnostic techniques. I also brought rapid tests for Dengue detection and saved blood samples on filter paper for future molecular analysis and used a NAMRU SOUTH BioFire with Global Fever and Respiratory Panels for rapid molecular detection, as needed,” said Peterson.

Working alongside Peruvian partners enabled Peterson to observe their operations while gathering actionable information on infectious diseases and their effects on warfighters in operational settings. “Embedding a NAMRU SOUTH microbiologist aboard the Peruvian Navy’s PIAS vessel expanded biosurveillance capabilities, generated valuable public health data and supported both humanitarian assistance and regional health security,” said Lt. Cmdr. José Garcia, science director for NAMRU SOUTH.

Peterson transited on the BAP Rio Yavari, which conducts roughly five missions each year. His deployment marks the first time since 2018 that a NAMRU SOUTH officer has accompanied the Peruvian Navy on a PIAS mission. “We were able to gather information on the infectious disease burden in areas of the Amazon that we would not normally have access to,” Peterson explained.

These efforts are intended to strengthen ties between NAMRU SOUTH and Peruvian counterparts while advancing shared health security goals, with both sides seeking recurring iterations of the mission. “Infectious diseases do not respect borders,” Peterson added. “Collaborating with partner nations strengthens surveillance capabilities, builds trust, and improves our collective ability to detect and respond to emerging health threats while reinforcing longstanding military partnerships.”

NAMRU SOUTH, part of Navy Medicine Research & Development, conducts research, surveillance, and studies of vaccines, therapeutic agents, diagnostic assays, and vector control measures in the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility to improve prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in support of Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighter health, readiness, and lethality. Navy Medicine’s more than 44,000 personnel focus on optimizing health readiness, delivering quality healthcare, and providing global expeditionary medical support to warfighters.