Seroprevalence of Q fever, Brucellosis and Bluetongue in selected provinces in Lao PDR

Journal article

This study has determined the proportional seropositivity of two zoonotic diseases, Q fever and brucellosis, and bluetongue virus which is non-zoonotic, in five provinces of Lao PDR (Loungphabang, Luangnumtha, Xayaboury and Xiengkhouang, Champasak, Vientiane province and Vientiane capital) A total of 1089 samples from buffalo, cattle, pigs and goats were tested, with sero-positivity of bluetongue virus (96.7%), Q fever (1.2%) and brucellosis (0.3%). The results of this survey indicated that Q fever sero-positivity 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 hotspot 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 bluetongue virus in Lao PDR.

Authors: Blacksell, S; Douangngeun, B; Theppangna, W; Soukvilay, V; Senaphanh, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Journal: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Publication date: 2016-07-22
• Acceptance date: 2016-06-07
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0913
• EISSN: 1476-1645
• ISSN: 0002-9637
• Keywords: Lao PDR; Q fever; livestock; zoonotic; Brucella Bluetongue