Japanese Encephalitis Infection

Project leader: Kouxiong Sayteng
Member of staff: Souksakhone Viengphouthong

In 2013, a series of samples taken from pigs were tested for their reactivity to the Japanese encephalitis virus antigen. To complement this preliminary study, 258 human sera from subjects who had close contacts with pigs (farmers, slaughterhouse staff, etc) were collected in 74 villages distributed among 23 districts of 8 provinces (Louangnamtha, Louangprabang, Houaphan, Xiengkhouang, Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Saravanh and Champasak). These samples were analyzed by indirect ELISA tests for the presence of anti-JEV IgG. Positive reactions were detected in 210 (81%) of the samples tested. As cross-reactions exist between members of the flavivirus genus, further specific tests are required to determine the specificity of the antibodies. Combined with the study on pigs, these data will help in drawing up a first map of JEV in Laos.

From the left, 1^st row: H.E. Mrs SivLeng Chhuor (Ambassador of France, Observer), H.E. Dr Bounkong Syhavong (Board Member), H.E. Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith (Minister of Health, Chairman), Dr Darouny Phonekeo (IPL’s Deputy Director). From the left, 2^nd row: Dr Manivanh Souphanthong (Board Member), Prof. Yves Buisson (Board Member), Mr Thomas Lammar (Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Observer), Mr Bob Paquin (Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of Canada, Observer), Dr Philippe Buchy (IPL’s General Director).

Japanese Encephalitis Infection

Project carried on in the lab: