Khammouane Province Research Articles

ERRATUM: High Prevalence of Haplorchis taichui, Phaneropsolus molenkampi, and Other Helminth Infections among People in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

ERRATUM: High Prevalence of Haplorchis taichui, Phaneropsolus molenkampi, and Other Helminth Infections among People in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

Geographic information system (GIS) maps and malaria control monitoring: intervention coverage and health outcome in distal villages of Khammouane province, Laos

BackgroundInsecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a key intervention to control malaria. The intervention coverage varies as a consequence of geographical accessibility to remote villages and limitations of financial and human resources for the intervention. People's adherence to the intervention, i.e., proper use of ITNs, also affects malaria health outcome. The study objective is to explore the impact of the intervention coverage and people's adherence to the intervention on malaria health outcome among targeted villages in various geographic locations.MethodsGeographic information system (GIS) maps were developed using the data collected in an active case detection survey in Khammouane province, Laos. The survey was conducted using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and a structured questionnaire at 23 sites in the province from June to July, the rainy season, in 2005. A total of 1,711 villagers from 403 households participated in the survey.ResultsAs indicated on the GIS maps, villages with malaria cases, lower intervention coverage, and lower adherence were identified. Although no malaria case was detected in most villages with the best access to the district center, several cases were detected in the distal villages, where the intervention coverage and adherence to the intervention remained relatively lower.ConclusionBased on the data and maps, it was demonstrated that malaria remained unevenly distributed within districts. Balancing the intervention coverage in the distal villages with the overall coverage and continued promotion of the proper use of ITNs are necessary for a further reduction of malaria cases in the province.

Plants used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum healthcare in Lao PDR: A comparative study of the Brou, Saek and Kry ethnic groups

BackgroundIn many Southeast Asian cultures the activities and diet during the postpartum period are culturally dictated and a period of confinement is observed. Plants play an important role in recovery during the postpartum period in diet, traditional medicine, steam bath and mother roasting (where mother and child placed on a bed above a brazier with charcoal embers on which aromatic plants are laid). This research focuses on the use of plants during pregnancy, parturition, postpartum recovery and infant healthcare among three ethnic groups, the Brou, Saek and Kry. It aims to identify culturally important traditions that may facilitate implementation of culturally appropriate healthcare.MethodsData were collected in 10 different villages in Khammouane province, Lao PDR, through group and individual interviews with women by female interviewers.ResultsA total of 55 different plant species are used in women's healthcare, of which over 90% are used in postpartum recovery. Consensus Analysis rejects the hypothesis that the three ethnic groups belong to a single culture for postpartum plant use, and multidimensional scaling reveals non-overlapping clusters per ethnic group.ConclusionMedicinal plant use is common among the Brou, Saek and Kry to facilitate childbirth, alleviate menstruation problems, assist recovery after miscarriage, mitigate postpartum haemorrhage, aid postpartum recovery, and for use in infant care. The wealth of novel insights into plant use and preparation will help to understand culturally important practices such as confinement, dietary restrictions, mother roasting and herbal steam baths and their incorporation into modern healthcare.

Heteropoda species from limestone caves in Laos (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae)

Two new Heteropoda species from Laos are described, Heteropoda steineri sp. nov. (male, female) from the Xe Bangfai cave system in Khammouan Province, and Heteropoda aemulans sp. nov. (male, female) from caves close to Vang Vieng in Vientiane Province. Two further species, Heteropoda maxima Jäger, 2001 from Khammouan Province and Heteropoda simplex Jäger and Ono, 2000 from northern Laos and Japan, are recorded. Heteropoda simplex is recorded for the first time from Laos, the female is described for the first time. Main morphological differences between species are recognised from copulatory organs and colouration. Intraspecific variation is illustrated for all species.

Laos and the making of a ‘relational’ resource frontier

This paper seeks to reconsider the contemporary relevance of the resource frontier, drawing on examples of nature's commodification and enclosure under way in the peripheral Southeast Asian country of Laos. Frontiers are conceived as relational zones of economy, nature and society; spaces of capitalist transition, where new forms of social property relations and systems of legality are rapidly established in response to market imperatives. Customary property rights on the resource frontier can be seized by powerful actors in crucial political moments, preparing the territorial stage for more intensive phases of resource commodity production and accumulation. Relational frontier space is understood through the work of geographers such as Doreen Massey, who views the production of space as ‘constituted though the practices of engagement and the power‐geometries of relations’. In Laos, a twenty‐first century resource frontier is being driven by new corporate investments in natural resources, and a supporting array of land reform programmes. The paper focuses on both the material and representational aspects of the production of the resource frontier, through policy and discourse analysis, and village level research in Laos’ Khammouane province. By rethinking a dualist and hierarchical‐scaled imaginary of frontier places, both rural people and local ecologies are shown to be key actors, in a complex, relational reproduction of frontier zones. An emerging Lao spatial and political assemblage – a form of ‘frontier‐neoliberalism’– is shown as producing dramatic changes in socio‐natural landscapes, as well as new patterns of marginalisation and livelihood insecurity for a vulnerable rural population.

High Prevalence of Haplorchis taichui, Phaneropsolus molenkampi, and Other Helminth Infections among People in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

The prevalence of liver and intestinal helminth infections, including Opisthorchis, Haplorchis, Phaneropsolus, hookworms, Enterobius, and Taenia, was surveyed in Khammouane province, Lao PDR. Fecal specimens were collected from 1,242 people (590 men and 652 women) in 3 Mekong riverside villages and were examined by the Kato-Katz thick smear technique. The overall helminth egg positive rate was 81.1%. The positive rate for small trematode eggs, including Opisthorchis viverrini, heterophyids, and lecithodendriids, was 81.1% and the positive rate for hookworms was 6.7%. To obtain adult worms, 35 people who were positive for small trematode eggs were treated with 20-30 mg/kg praziquantel and 10-15 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate, and then purged. Diarrheic stools were collected from 33 of these people and searched for helminth parasites using a stereomicroscope. Mixed infections with various helminths (Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchis yokogawai, Prosthodendrium molenkampi, Phaneropsolus bonnei, echinostomes, hookworms, Trichostrongylus spp., Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, and/or Taenia saginata) were found. The total number of helminth specimens collected was 20,907 (approximately 634 per person). The most common species was H. taichui, followed by P. molenkampi, O. viverrini, P. bonnei, E. vermicularis, hookworms, and Trichostrongylus spp. These results show that diverse species of intestinal nematodes, trematodes, and cestodes are infecting humans in Khammouane province, Lao PDR.

A Varied-Utilized Soil Type in Linear Programming Model for Irrigation Planning

Problem statement: Optimal crop pattern with maximum profit is important information for irrigation planning using optimization model. Crop yield, crop water requirement, man power, production cost and physical soil type are required to the search model. A consideration varied-utilized soil type directly influences to the profit of obtained crop pattern. Approach: The objective of this study is to find an optimal crop pattern for irrigation planning in a varied-utilized area of the Van Vieng Phi irrigation project, Khammouan province, Central Region of Lao PDR. An allocation Linear Programming (LP) model was applied to find the optimal crop pattern in dry-season (NovemberApril). The considered irrigation project was divided into several sub-areas, based on suitable soil type of each crop representing the varied-utilized character. The existing suitable soil type of each crop was used to represent the varied-utilized in term of water requirement and crop yield for each sub-area. The records of seasonal flow from pump station, requested and actual implementation of irrigation area, crop water requirements, evaporation, percolation and effective rainfall were used for this illustrative application. Results: The results have shown that the net benefit of varied-utilized character and unvaried-utilized character (existing consideration) were obvious difference. The obtained crop pattern of the proposed model corresponded to the suitable soil type for cultivation crops. Furthermore, the results presented that the proposed model gave higher net benefit than the existing unvaried-utilized character. Conclusions/Recommendations: The consideration several sub-areas of irrigation project based on suitable soil type in LP model can be represented the varied-utilized character. The proposed LP model is appropriately for finding the optimal crop pattern for irrigation planning.

Monitoring malaria control in Khammouane province, Laos: an active case detection survey of Plasmodium falciparum malaria using the Paracheck rapid diagnostic test

In Khammouane province, Laos, over 5000 slide-positive malaria cases were reported at local health facilities in 1997. To combat the spread of malaria, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and community health education were provided to the people in this province by the Lao Ministry of Health and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. In order to document the current malaria situation, an active case detection (ACD) survey using rapid diagnostic tests was conducted at 23 sites from June to July, the rainy season, in 2005. A total of 1711 villagers from 403 households participated in the survey. The proportion of positive cases was 0.7% (12/1711) with a range in each village of 0-8.2%. The low infection rate observed in this ACD survey was consistent with the decrease in the number of slide-positive malaria cases at local health facilities (from over 5000 cases to 536 cases), indicating the substantial progress made in malaria control. Although the reduction of malaria cases can be attributed to multiple factors, continued promotion of the proper use of ITNs as well as community-based testing and treatment services, especially in remote areas, may lead to a further reduction of malaria cases in the province.

Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis and Risk Factor Analysis in Flood-prone Rural Areas in Lao PDR

A cross-sectional seroprevalence study on leptospirosis, using microscopic agglutination test (MAT), was conducted in rural villages in Khammouane Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, in December 2006. The overall prevalence of leptospiral infection among 406 subjects was 23.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.7-28.0%). Independent risk factors for the infection, identified by multivariate logistic regression, were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% CI: 1.24-2.98), recent flooding on one's own property (OR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.25-3.58), and collecting wood in the forest (OR, 1.90; 95% CI: 1.17-3.09). Age, occupation, and animal ownership were not associated with seropositivity. Flooding was associated with the risk of infection particularly for women, whose behaviors or activities involving contact with floodwater were presumed to play an important role. This study showed that leptospirosis is endemic in Khammouane Province and that local flooding plays an important role in the transmission of the disease.

BEGONIA CLADOTRICHA (BEGONIACEAE): A NEW SPECIES FROM LAOS

A new species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) is described from Khammouan Province in Laos. The new species, Begonia cladotricha M.Hughes, belongs in Begonia sect. Diploclinium, and is unusual amongst Asian Begonia in having basally branched hairs on all vegetative parts of the plant.

Maintenance behaviour and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLITNs) previously introduced into Bourapar district, Khammouane province, Lao PDR

Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLITNs) are expected to be an important advance in malaria control, but operational experience is still scarce. This study presents some operational findings concerning the introduction of Olyset LLITNs (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd, Japan) in Laos. The study site, Bourapar district, a remote district at high risk of malaria, received Olyset nets during 1999-2000. After distribution of the nets the number of malaria cases in the district hospital decreased for a time, however it began to rise again a year after the intervention. To sustain the effect of the nets, net users were given instructions on maintenance and use. This study aimed to investigate the condition of Olyset nets and the maintenance behaviour of net users after 2-3 years of use, and to examine the associations between maintenance behaviour and the number of malaria episodes during the previous year. Questionnaire interviews and inspections of nets were conducted at 240 households during February-March 2003. About 40% of the observed nets had holes/were torn, and the maintenance instructions had not been followed sufficiently. Households following the recommended washing frequency (38.2%) reported fewer malaria episodes during the past year, which demonstrates the importance of the recommended washing frequency in the effective use of the nets. Our study promotes the idea that, in addition to pursuing high coverage of LLITNs, more effort should be made to ensure that nets are kept in good condition in future LLITN programmes.

Periodic Presumptive Treatment for Cervical Infections in Service Women in 3 Border Provinces of Laos

The objectives of this study were to determine whether periodic presumptive treatment (PPT) for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in service women could be implemented in 3 border provinces of Laos and whether its implementation was associated with a reduction in the prevalence of cervical infections. Four hundred forty-two service women were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire in 3 border provinces at baseline (day 1) and 419 3 months (day 90) later. Azithromycin at a dosage of 1 g was administered at monthly intervals over 3 months in Khammouane province, on days 1, 30, and 90 in Oudomxai and days 1, 60, and 90 in Savannakhet. Urine samples were collected at baseline and day 90 for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Baseline samples showed very high levels of both gonorrhea and/or chlamydia of 42.7% in Oudomxai, 39.9% in Khammouane, and 22.7% in Savannakhet. At day 90, after 2 or 3 rounds of PPT, these were, respectively, 12.3%, 21.9%, and 17.0%. Overall, the prevalence of any cervical infection decreased by 45% from 32.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 28.1-36.9) at day 1 to 18.0% (95% CI = 14.5-22.1) at day 90 (P < 0.001). Lower prevalences of cervical infections were observed after 2 to 3 rounds of PPT. The optimal time between rounds of PPT is uncertain, but while these high STI rates prevail, a 1- to 2-month gap is recommended. After the introduction of this PPT project, costs of STI drugs reduced 5-fold making PPT a sustainable intervention in Laos for service women until user-friendly services are developed.

Morphological and molecular investigations of a new family, genus and species of rodent (Mammalia: Rodentia: Hystricognatha) from Lao PDR

During biodiversity surveys in Khammouan Province, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, specimens of an unknown species of hystricognathous rodent were discovered in local markets being sold for food; local hunters explaining that these rock rats were trapped in the nearby limestone karst. These specimens are described here on the basis of their unique combination of external and craniodental features as members of a new family, genus and species, using comparative morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses of morphological data and of 12S rRNA and cytochrome b are presented on selected taxa from all suborders of Rodentia. The results of the molecular and morphological analyses are compared and provide the basis for a discussion of relationships of the new taxon within the Rodentia and Hystricognatha. The disjunct distribution of hystricognaths is recognised as problematic, with most families occurring in the main distributional area of South America, several others in Africa and only one family distributed in Africa and Asia. The presence of an additional hystricognath family in Southeast Asia poses interesting questions and consideration is given to the way in which this new taxon fits into the theories of the biogeographical and evolutionary history of other hystricognaths. Features of possible ecomorphological significance are briefly discussed, such as the apparent adaptations to a rock dwelling existence evident in various features of the external morphology and comparisons are made to the morphology of other known saxicolous rodents.

Description of a New Genus and Species of Rodent (Murinae, Muridae, Rodentia) from the Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Lao PDR

Saxatilomys paulinae, a new genus and species of murid rodent in the Dacnomys Division is described. It is based on two whole specimens and 14 individuals represented by fragments recovered from owl pellets. The samples come from the Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Khammouan Province in central Lao PDR. This tower karst landscape is part of the Quy Dat limestone massif, which extends eastward into north-central Vietnam (Binh Tri Thien Province). The new genus and species is morphologically (and probably phylogenetically) allied to species of Niviventer and Chiromyscus, which are also members of the Dacnomys Division, but its semispinous dark gray upperparts, dark frosted gray underparts, large, extremely bulbous footpads, and a combination of derived and primitive cranial and dental traits exclude it from membership in Niviventer, Chiromyscus, or any other described genus of Indo-malayan murid. The new species is likely petricolous, and is part of a small but unique community of small nonvolant mammals containing the petricolous gymnure, Hylomys megalotis, and hystricognath, Laonastes aenigmamus. All three species have been collected only in forested, rocky habitats of the Khammouan Limestone, but comparable environments in the adjacent Vietnamese portion of the Quy Dat limestone massif may harbor these same species specialized for living in forested, karstic landscapes.

Description of Eodiaptomus Phuvongi n. Sp. (Copepoda, Calanoida) from Thailand and Laos

Eodiaptomus phuvongi n. sp. is described from 85 localities in Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeast Thailand and 17 localities in Savannakhet and Khammouane Provinces, central Laos. It belongs to the lumholtzi-group, and is most closely similar to E. phuphanensis Sanoamuang, 2001 and E. sanoamuangae Reddy & Dumont, 1998. The new species occurs only in temporary waters in Thailand, but also in permanent waters in Laos. It is the fourth species of Eodiaptomus recorded from Thailand and the first for Laos.

A19 ラオス国カムワン県マラリア流行地での殺虫剤塗布蚊帳使用後のマラリア感染率と蚊の調査結果

A19 ラオス国カムワン県マラリア流行地での殺虫剤塗布蚊帳使用後のマラリア感染率と蚊の調査結果

6. ラオス国カムワン県のマラリア流行地におけるハマダラカの調査 : 人吸血嗜好性と吸血活動時間について(第51回日本衛生動物学会南日本支部大会講演要旨)

6. ラオス国カムワン県のマラリア流行地におけるハマダラカの調査 : 人吸血嗜好性と吸血活動時間について(第51回日本衛生動物学会南日本支部大会講演要旨)

Tripteroides (Rachionotomyia) ponmeki (Diptera : ulicidae) : A new species from Khammouane Province, Lao PDR

Tripteroides ponmeki sp. n. of the subgenus Rachionotomyia is describ- ed from specimens collected in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. The larva of this species differs significantly from other species of the subgenus in having unique modifications in head seta 1-C which is stout with many hairs apically and thoracic setae 6-M and 7-T which are not stout and not spinose and without basal arm. The description includes illustrations and photographs of the adults, male and female genitalia, pupa and fourth-instar larva. The larva breeds mainly in bamboo internodes in rain forests.

A field study on malaria prevalence in southeastern Laos by polymerase chain reaction assay.

A detection survey for malaria infection by routine microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted on 336 inhabitants of two villages in Khammouane Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), in July 1997. Malaria infection was demonstrated in 58 (17.3%) subjects by microscopy and in 117 (34.8%) by PCR assay. Specimens positive by both methods were frequent in young villagers, suggesting the presence of many subclinical infections in older persons. The most common species of malaria parasite was Plasmodium falciparum (82.9%). Polymerase chain reaction assay detected mixed infections with 2-4 species in 27 specimens (23.1%). The results demonstrate that there are many subclinical malaria infections with low parasite level and infection with all four human malaria species in Lao PDR.

EA8 ラオス国カムワン県のマラリア流行地におけるハマダラカの調査 (1999 年)

EA8 ラオス国カムワン県のマラリア流行地におけるハマダラカの調査 (1999 年)