Seroprevalence of Q Fever, Brucellosis, and Bluetongue in Selected Provinces in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Bounlom Douangngeun,Paul W Selleck,Stuart D Blacksell,Chanthana Senaphanh,Eric Lombardini,Kamphok Phithacthep,Souk Phomhaksa,Eric Hansson,Samuel Yingst,Vilayvahn Soukvilay,Watthana Theppangna

doi:10.4269/ajtmh.15-0913

Abstract

This study has determined the proportional seropositivity of two zoonotic diseases, Q fever and brucellosis, and bluetongue virus (BTV) which is nonzoonotic, in five provinces of Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) (Loungphabang, Luangnumtha, Xayaboury, Xiengkhouang, and Champasak, and Vientiane Province and Vientiane capital). A total of 1,089 samples from buffalo, cattle, pigs, and goats were tested, with seropositivity of BTV (96.7%), Q fever (1.2%), and brucellosis (0.3%). The results of this survey indicated that Q fever seropositivity is not widely distributed in Lao PDR; however, Xayaboury Province had a cluster of seropositive cattle in seven villages in four districts (Botan, Kenthao, Paklaiy, and Phiang) that share a border with Thailand. Further studies are required to determine if Xayaboury Province is indeed an epidemiological hot spot of Q fever activity. There is an urgent need to determine the levels of economic loss and human health-related issues caused by Q fever, brucellosis, and BTV in Lao PDR.

Highlights

A total of 1,089 serum samples were collected from buffalo, cattle, pigs, and goats from the four northern provinces of Loungphabang, Luangnumtha, Xayaboury, and Xiengkhouang, the southern province of Champasak, and Vientiane Province and Vientiane capital in the central area (Figure 1)
Results indicated a high proportion of bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR)
There remains a need to determine what BTV serotypes are circulating in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and neighboring countries

Summary

Introduction

A total of 1,089 serum samples were collected from buffalo, cattle, pigs, and goats from the four northern provinces of Loungphabang, Luangnumtha, Xayaboury, and Xiengkhouang, the southern province of Champasak, and Vientiane Province and Vientiane capital in the central area (Figure 1). Results indicated a high proportion of BTV antibodies in Lao PDR.

Results

Conclusion