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Intense training: mucosal immunity and incidence of respiratory infections

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Abstract

This investigation examined the impact of a multistressor situation on salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, and incidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) during the French commando training (3 weeks of training followed by a 5-day combat course). For the URTI, the types of symptoms were classified according to the anatomical location of the infection. Saliva samples were collected (8 a.m.) from 21 males [21 (2) years] before entry into the commando training, the morning following the 3 weeks of training, after the 5-day combat course, and after 1 week of recovery. sIgA, protein and cortisol concentrations were measured. Symptoms of URTI were recorded during the study from health logs and medical examinations. After the 3 weeks of training, the sIgA concentration was not changed, although it was reduced after the 5-day course [from 120 (14) mg l−1 to 71 (9) mg l−1, P<0.01]. It returned to pre-training levels within a week of recovery. The incidence of URTI increased during the trial (χ2=53.48; P<0.01), but was not related to sIgA. Among the 30 episodes of URTI reported, there were 12 rhino-pharyngitis, 6 bronchitis, 5 tonsillitis, 4 sinusitis and 3 otitis. Cortisol levels were raised after the 3-week training (P<0.01), dropping below baseline after the combat course (P<0.01). Stressful situations have an adverse effect on mucosal immunity and incidence of URTI. However, the relationship between sIgA and illness remained unclear. The large proportion of rhino-pharyngitis indicated that the nasopharyngeal cavity is at a higher risk of infection.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants from the General Delegation of Armament (DGA) (PEA 980816). We thank the medical staff of the French Military Officer School of Coëtquidan and the Commando National Center of Collioure. At IMASSA, we would like to thank Samuel Sautivet for his invaluable technical assistance. At HIA Begin, we would like to thank Franck Colin. At vieLife, we would like to thank Dr. François Duforez for his help with the medical examinations. We also wish to thank Mr. Bonafos from Meteo France for the weather information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département de physiologie, IMASSA, B.P. 73, 91223 , Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France

    E. Tiollier, D. Gomez-Merino, J.-C. Jouanin, C. Bourrilhon, C. Y. Guezennec & M. Chennaoui

  2. Laboratoire de Biochimie, Toxicologie et Pharmacologie clinique, Hôpital des Instructions des Armées Begin, 69 Avenue de Paris, 94160 , Saint Mandé, France

    P. Burnat

  3. Laboratoire Inter-Universitaire de Biologie des Activités Physiques et Sportives, Bâtiment b Biologie, Campus des Cézeaux, 63177, Aubière, France

    E. Tiollier & E. Filaire

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  1. E. Tiollier
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  2. D. Gomez-Merino
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  3. P. Burnat
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  4. J.-C. Jouanin
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  5. C. Bourrilhon
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  6. E. Filaire
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  7. C. Y. Guezennec
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  8. M. Chennaoui
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Correspondence to M. Chennaoui.

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Tiollier, E., Gomez-Merino, D., Burnat, P. et al. Intense training: mucosal immunity and incidence of respiratory infections. Eur J Appl Physiol 93, 421–428 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1231-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-004-1231-1

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