Project Number: 6615-32000-045-25
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 27, 2012
End Date: Sep 30, 2012

Objective:
Determine the ability of U.S. Marine Corps Enhanced Fire Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Uniforms to retain permethrin and prevent insect bites at the required level.

Approach:
This research will be conducted using the “bite protection” assay developed by MFRU/CMAVE to establish the level at which U.S. Marine Corps Enhanced Fire Resistant Combat Ensemble (EFRCE) Uniforms prevent mosquito bites. The bite protection assay will be conducted on EFRCE uniform specimens by using human volunteers in an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study protocol. Volunteers wear sewn sleeves of the uniform material to test if the garment prevents mosquito bites in a laboratory assay. The results are compared to an untreated control sleeve to determine the benefit of permethrin repellent as a function of the percentage reduction in bites compared to the control. Tests are conducted with uniform fabric that is treated prior to laundering, treated fabric washed 20 times and treated fabric washed 50 times. The 50 wash end point constitutes the expected lifetime of the uniform as a function of numbers of launderings. Studies are intended to be tested against multiple strains of mosquitoes to determine if the strain affects the outcome of the experiments. The final report is used by the United States Army to determine if a uniform supplier is meeting their specifications.