Childhood respiratory infections in Lao PDR

Project leader: Antony Black, Claude Muller
Member of staff: Phonethipsavanh Nouanthong, Keooudomphone Vilivong, Did Panyathong, Siriphone Virachith

Activities and prospective
The study aims to determine the pattern of respiratory infection in children in Lao PDR. We also aim to provide a detailed analysis of etiological and risk factors determining the morbidity due to childhood respiratory tract infections such as micro RNA and cytokine profiles. 57 swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates have been collected to date, with 26% respiratory syncytial virus and 7% influenza positive by rapid test. Sample collection and data analysis are ongoing. 

Partners for ongoing studies 2015
+ National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
+ Vientiane central hospitals; Mitthapab, Settathirath and Childrens.
+ Vientiane district hospitals; Sykhod, Chantabouly, Sysatanak, Xaysetha.
+ Provincial Lao hospitals; Huaphan, Khammouan, Luangprabang and Boulhikhamxay.
+ Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation (Lux Development), Lao PDR.
+ National Immunization  Programme, Ministry of Health, Lao PDR.
+ National Institute of Public Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
+ Lao Red Cross, National Blood Transfusion Centre, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
+ Department of Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
+ National Animal Health Laboratory, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
+ Faculty of Agriculture, University of Laos, Lao PDR.
+ Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.