Advancing research on parasitic diseases to support disease control and improve public health.
The Parasitology Laboratory conducts research on parasitic diseases of public health importance in Laos, contributing to a better understanding of their transmission, distribution, and impact on affected populations.
Its activities include field studies, laboratory investigations, surveillance, and collaborative research programmes focused on malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other parasitic infections. The laboratory also applies molecular and epidemiological approaches to better understand parasite diversity, transmission dynamics, and emerging public health challenges.
Through its research activities, the laboratory supports national and regional efforts aimed at disease control, elimination, and prevention. It works closely with public health authorities, research institutions, and international partners to strengthen scientific knowledge and support evidence-based interventions.
By generating data and expertise on parasitic diseases, the laboratory contributes to improving public health outcomes and strengthening disease control strategies in Laos.
By generating scientific evidence and supporting disease surveillance efforts, the laboratory contributes to public health preparedness and the response to infectious disease threats in Laos and the wider region.
All Research
Our Team
Executive summary
In 2025, the Parasitology Laboratory implemented the SATREPS project with partners in both Lao PDR and Japan. The project is financially supported by two Japanese agencies: the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). The objectives of the SATREPS project are to accelerate malaria elimination, schistosomiasis elimination, and opisthorchiasis control by developing effective testing and infection prevention technologies, improving surveillance systems using communication technologies, and Ecohealth education. This year, we conducted 1) malaria LAMP method implementation in 25 hospitals, 2) an environmental DNA (eDNA) detection study for Schistosoma mekongi, Opisthorchis viverrini, and their snail hosts in Khong and Mounlapamok Districts, Champasak Province, 3) a population genetic study of snail hosts for Schistosoma mekongi, 4) a special snail feed study, 5) an endline survey for Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis, including a questionnaire and stool surveys in Khong and Mounlapamok Districts, Champasak Province. 6) a baseline survey for Ecohealth education intervention for malaria, including a questionnaire survey and development of educational video materials.
Several trainings were also conducted for partners at the central levels and provincial levels, such as malaria LAMP training for the Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE), and the malaria LAMP method installation training for the local healthcare workers in the malaria burden reduction and elimination areas (Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Xekong, Champasak, Attapeu, Luangnamtha, Bokeo, Houaphan).
In 2026, we will continue the research activities mentioned above. We also plan to evaluate a pulsed-power technology for killing or inactivating metacercariae of O. viverrini in freshwater fish at IPL.
In 2025, two new projects were launched: the RISTRETO Project (2025-2027) and the FEF Indo-Pacific Project (2025-2026). Both projects aim to strengthen human resource capacity and improve surveillance of the water-related parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis in Lao PDR, and schistosomiasis in Madagascar.
Plain language summary
Our Laboratory focuses on research and capacity development in Parasitology. This year, we conducted several field studies for malaria and neglected parasitic diseases in Lao PDR, in collaboration with our partners in both Lao PDR and Japan, under the framework of the SATREPS project. The SATREPS project aims to enhance diagnosis, develop new technologies to reduce the risk of infections, and provide evidence for policymakers to update the National Guidelines for controlling these parasitic diseases in Lao PDR.
In the malaria study, the malaria LAMP method was implemented at all 25 target hospitals, accompanied by installation training. Refresher training was also conducted at all hospitals except those in Khammouane Province. The malaria LAMP method is currently used at those hospitals as a routine diagnostic method.
In the environmental DNA approach for surveillance of liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) and blood fluke (Schistosoma mekongi), environmental water sampling was conducted four times in 2025, twice during the dry season and twice during the rainy season in Champasak Province. O. viverrini DNA was detected from several locations, while no S. mekongi DNA was detected from any locations. This technology can be used to create an infection risk map in the endemic areas.
The Ecohealth education team conducted an Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis at two villages in Champasak Province from December 2024 to October 2025. The effectiveness of this health education is currently being analyzed. A stool examination was also conducted in the same villages in October 2025, showing that O. viverrini was highly prevalent, whereas S. mekongi was lowly prevalent.
We also conducted several trainings for DNA diagnoses for malaria and other parasitic diseases for researchers and healthcare workers in Vientiane capital and some hospitals in Provinces, where malaria and other parasitic diseases were highly prevalent.
We have launched two new projects: the RISTRETO Project and the FEF Indo-Pacific Project. Both projects aim to strengthen human resource capacity and improve surveillance of the water-related parasitic diseases in Lao PDR and other countries.
Projects
SATREPS project
Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases Control and Elimination using Advanced Research Technique, Communication tools, and Eco-Health Education in Lao PDR (2023-2028)
The second Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting of the SATREPS project in January 2025.
Lao PDR:
Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE), Department of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC), Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (Lao TPHI), Faculty of Education of National University of Laos (NOUL), University of Health Sciences (UHS) and some other relevant departments and centers in Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), some Provincial Health Departments, and some Teacher Training Collages.
Japan:
Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), Nippon Bunri University (NBU), Niigata University (NU), Niigata University of Pharmacy and Medical and Life Sciences (NUPMLS), University of the Ryukyus (UR), Shinshu University (SU), Nagano College of Nursing (NCN), and Kumamoto University (KU)
This study is financially supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).
This project aims to accelerate malaria elimination, schistosomiasis (blood fluke) elimination, and opisthorchiasis (Liver fluke) control by developing effective testing and infection prevention technologies, improving surveillance systems using communication technologies, and Ecohealth education. The higher goal of the project is to contribute to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goal 3, “Health and Well-being for All” in Lao PDR.
Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research on global issues, including infectious disease control, energy/environment issues, disaster risk reduction, and food security.
Malaria is endemic in five southern Provinces in Lao PDR, which means that 2.6 million people (35.3% of the population) are at risk of the infection. Morbidity and mortality of malaria have decreased in Lao PDR through the efforts of the Lao government with the support of partners. The Lao government adopted an ambitious goal to eliminate malaria by 2030. However, several obstacles, such as drug-resistant malaria, asymptomatic or low-density malaria infections, and poor access to healthcare services in remote, hard-to-access villages, are reported. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), mainly parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis mekongi, foodborne-parasitic diseases, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, have been neglected in Lao PDR (according to the Lao National Policy and Strategies on NTDs Prevention and Control). These diseases have received less attention because they are chronic diseases and endemic only in low- and middle-income countries. However, the impact of such NTDs is devastating both from a public health and economic point of view for the affected people. The project’s objectives are to achieve malaria elimination and control neglected parasitic diseases (NPDs), such as schistosomiasis mekongi and opisthorchiasis in Lao PDR. By implementing this project, the number of malaria and NPD cases is expected to decrease in Lao PDR. The project will contribute to achieving UHC and Goal 3 of the SDGs.
Malaria study
A highly sensitive DNA diagnosis using malaria LAMP technology has been installed at local healthcare facilities (i.e., District Hospitals or Provincial Hospitals) as a point-of-care test and utilized to detect low-density malaria infections. District hospitals implementing the malaria LAMP testing were selected based on malaria endemicity. The malaria LAMP testing enables the diagnosis of all malaria patients (“no one left behind”) who can benefit from appropriate treatment.
In vitro drug-susceptibility test at IPL also monitors resistance to malaria drugs. Most malaria cases are reported from remote, hard-to-access villages where no mobile phone signal is available. In such areas, out-of-stock malaria commodities are often reported due to a delay in reporting and procurement. Thus, satellite mobile phones were distributed to such healthcare facilities (i.e., health centers) to improve malaria surveillance.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) approach for detecting parasite DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of Schistosoma mekongi and Opisthorchis viverrini by PCR and LAMP techniques was developed to allow the creation of infection risk maps for infection prevention. A real-time PCR assay for detecting eDNA of the parasites on site (in the field) by using a portable real-time PCR machine will also be developed. Sites for the eDNA study were selected in schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis endemic areas in Khong and Mounlapamok Districts, Champasak Province.
Pulsed-power technology for inactivation of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae
To prevent O. viverrini infection, a novel pulsed-power technology that inactivates Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae in freshwater fish was developed to be installed at a fresh market or selected village in Lao PDR. This technology was developed by Kumamoto University, Japan, and has already been utilized for a sea-fish parasite (anisakis) inactivation measure in Japan since 2021.
Special feed for the snail hosts to kill cercariae or suppress their growth
For schistosomiasis mekongi and opisthorchiasis prevention, a special feed containing spirulina that reduces the number of S. mekongi cercariae and O. viverrini cercariae in snail hosts was developed in Lao PDR. The efficacy of this food in reducing the number of S. mansoni cercariae has already been demonstrated in laboratory settings at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU).
Capacity development for young Lao researchers
Capacity development for young Lao researchers is a key component of the SATREPS project. The project offers opportunities for training courses and studies at universities or research institutes in Japan, including Master’s and PhD programs. IPL Junior Scientist, Phoyphaylinh PRASAYASITH, was selected for a Japanese government scholarship in 2023. She is currently a PhD student at Niigata University, Japan. The SATREPS project also supports two other Lao researchers (Lao TPHI staff and National University of Lao staff, respectively) for PhD (April 2024-March 2027) and Master’s (October 2024-September 2026) courses at the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Ecohealth education
“Ecohealth education” is based on systems thinking applied to ecosystems. “Ecosystem-thinking” emphasizes an understanding of the whole ecosystem from multiple perspectives that consider mutually dependent relationships. Most malaria and NPD patients belong to ethnic minorities who live in remote, hard-to-access villages and poor hygiene conditions, which constitute risk factors for several infectious diseases. Therefore, Ecohealth education for residents of endemic areas, including those from ethnic minorities, will be developed and conducted to improve their knowledge and capacity for malaria and NPDs prevention, as well as health-seeking behavior.
Four villages were selected for this study in the Khong and Mounlapamok Districts of Champasak Province, where the annual praziquantel mass drug administration (MDA) is implemented. Two villages benefit from the intervention (Ecohealth education), and the other two are control villages. The prevalence of parasitic infections among the villagers (students and parents) is currently being monitored. A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study was conducted prior to the intervention to evaluate its effect.
Malaria LAMP study
Malaria LAMP methods were implemented in 25 hospitals in the target areas from 2024 to 2025 (Fig. 1). Two days of malaria LAMP training were conducted for hospital staff members by IPL and CMPE staff members. Malaria LAMP refresher training was also conducted annually following the implementation of the method. As of December 2025, 559 LAMP tests were performed. 29 cases were positive with P. vivax, and 1 case was positive with P. vivax and P. falciparum (mixed infection). This result suggested that P. falciparum is close to being eliminated from Lao PDR. The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were 96.6% and 100.0%, respectively, based on the LAMP results. The Ministry of Health in Lao PDR encourages the local hospitals to use the malaria LAMP methods as much as possible. The LAMP method is currently listed in the diagnostic method for malaria in the latest version of the National Guidelines for the Treatment of Malaria.
Figure 1. Malaria LAMP method installed sites
The red square shows the malaria LMAP method installed sites.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) approach for detecting DNA of Schistosoma mekongi, Opisthorchis viverrini, and their host snails
To understand the dynamics of Schistosoma mekongi and Opisthorchis viverrini in the environment at the community level, the survey team conducted four water sampling surveys in the dry (February and October) and rainy seasons (May and August) in Khong and Mounlapamok Districts, Champasak Province, in 2025 (Fig. 2). However, water samples cannot be collected in Mounlapamok District in August, due to the impact of armed conflict at the Thailand-Cambodia border; JICA restricted travel to Mounlapamok District. Water samples were collected from 10 to 16 sites per village, and three 500 mL bottles of water were collected from each site (Table 1). DNA was extracted from the water samples using a commercially available kit, and Real-time PCR was performed to detect the parasite DNA. By real-time PCR, O. viverrini DNA was detected in some villages, whereas no S. mekongi DNA was detected in 2025. Probe-based real-time PCR methods for detecting their snail hosts were developed. An infection risk map is under development. In 2026, water sampling will be conducted in Khone and Nangloy villages, where S. mekongi DNA was detected in the stool samples with PCR in 2024.
Figure 2. Study sites for eDNA detection and Ecohealth education study in the southern part of Champasak Province
Seven sentinel sites (villages) for schistosomiasis monitoring were initially selected for eDNA surveys. However, four villages were re-selected as study sites to avoid duplication with other projects.
Table 1. Number of sampling sites and number of water samples in four villages for the eDNA study in 2025
Locations | No. of sampling sites | No. of samples | No. of sampling sites | No. of samples | No. of sampling sites | No. of samples | No. of sampling sites | No. of samples |
February | May | August | October | |||||
Khone | 10 | 30 | 12 | 36 | 15 | 45 | 15 | 45 |
Phonepuey | 11 | 33 | 12 | 36 | 12 | 36 | 15 | 45 |
Nady | 11 | 33 | 13 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 48 |
Nangloy | 10 | 30 | 10 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 45 |
Total | 42 | 126 | 47 | 141 | 27 | 81 | 61 | 183 |
Study on special feed for host snails of Opisthorchis viverrini
A special feed containing spirulina was fed to Bithynia spp., the host snail of O. viverrini in Lao PDR and Thailand. The Bithynia spp. was collected in several villages in Vientiane Province in 2025. The snails did not eat the spirulina feed, but when xanthan gum was added to the spirulina powder to form a gel, they began to eat it readily (Fig. 3). The snails were observed with a time-lapse camera for 24 hours. Additionally, the snails and freshwater fish were dissected and observed under a microscope, and a LAMP method was used to detect O. viverrini infection. For future study, a spirulina feeding study will be conducted using an O. viverrini-infected snail in a laboratory setting at IPL.
Figure 3. Spirulina feeding study for Bithynia snail
Green gel is a mixture of spirulina powder and xanthan gum.
Population genetic analyses of Neotricula aperta, host snail of Schistosoma mekongi
Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of Neotricula aperta, the snail host of S. mekongi, in relation to its geographical distribution is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of disease transmission. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and genetic structure of N. aperta in Champasak Province using cox1 and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The genetic divergence of N. aperta indicated a high level of genetic differentiation both among and within populations (Fig. 4). This pattern suggests that N. aperta is possibly undergoing localized adaptation or that barriers to gene flow, such as physical, ecological, or behavioral factors, are promoting the accumulation of genetic differences. Micro-scale genetic structuring within populations may be driven by microhabitats or small-scale ecological gradients, while limited dispersal, localized mating preferences, or other behavioral traits may contribute to differentiation among populations (Bunchom et al., Trop Med Health, 2025, 53:97).
Figure 4. Median-joining network (MJN) based on mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences of Neotricula aperta. Haplotypes are represented by circles. Groups are defined by sub-catchments in the Mekong River (Bunchom et al., Trop Med Health, 2025, 53:97).
Stool survey for schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis among villagers in the endemic areas
In October 2025, a stool survey for schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis among villagers in the four villages (Khone, Phonepuey, Nady, and Nangloy) was conducted. This is an endline survey for the Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis. This intervention commenced in December 2024, immediately following the mass drug administration that took place in November 2024. A total of 368 stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz method (microscopy) and probe-based real-time PCR. By the Kato-Katz method, 0 positive cases for S. mekongi eggs were detected, while 47 positive cases for O. viverrini eggs were detected. By the PCR, 4 positive cases for S. mekongi DNA were detected, while 93 positive cases for O. viverrini DNA were detected. S. mekongi DNA was detected in Khone village. A comparison of the stool test results from 2024 and 2025 will be conducted in the future. The effect of the Ecohealth education intervention will also be evaluated.
Ecohealth education study
The Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis was conducted from December 2024 to October 2025 (Photo 1). Khone and Nady villages were the intervention villages, while Phonepeuy and Nangloy villages were the control villages (no intervention). A plan for the Ecohealth education intervention was developed by local key persons (teachers, village chiefs, village health volunteers, women’s union members, and Buddhist monks) and implemented by them. The team from the Faculty of Education at the National University of Laos (NUOL), the Pakse Teacher Training College, and Japanese researchers collaborated to support the development of the Ecohealth education intervention plan and to provide support for follow-up activities during the intervention period. For the students, the teachers provided the Ecohealth education at schools. For the adults, village chiefs, village health volunteers, women’s union members, and Buddhist monks provided the Ecohealth education at the temple. The endline survey was conducted in October 2025. A questionnaire survey was conducted among students and their parents. However, the response rate for the questionnaire was low at 58%, so a follow-up survey will be performed in January 2026.
Photo 1. The Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis at the temple (left) and the school (right) in Champasak Province.
For the Ecohealth education intervention for malaria, a baseline survey was conducted in 5 schools in Nong District, Savannakhet Province, from September to October 2025 (Photo 2). The malaria Ecohealth team (Lao TPHI, CMPE, IPL, and Japanese Researchers) created 4 malaria educational video materials in the ethnic minority language in the target villages. A total of 200 tablet devices were procured in November 2025, and the IPL IT team installed the video materials on these devices in December 2025. The Ecohealth education intervention for malaria will be implemented from January 2026 among the target populations (students and their family members).
Photo 2. Baseline survey at school in Nong District, Savannakhet (left), and 200 tablet devices for viewing the educational video materials (right).
Conclusion and Perspectives
In 2025, we conducted several field surveys on malaria, schistosomiasis, and opisthorchiasis in the endemic areas in Lao PDR. The malaria LAMP method was implemented in the 25 hospitals in malaria-endemic areas, and annual malaria LAMP refresher training was also conducted, except in Khammouane Province, where the refresher training will be performed in May 2026. As of December 2025, 559 LAMP tests were performed. Twenty-nine cases were positive with P. vivax, and one case was positive with P. vivax and P. falciparum (mixed infection). The malaria LAMP method is listed in the latest version of the National Guideline for Malaria Treatment in Lao PDR. We are currently examining mechanisms to enable the Lao Ministry of Health to continue operating the malaria LAMP methods after the project concludes in August 2028.
In the eDNA survey for S. mekongi and O. viverrini, two water samplings were conducted during the dry season (February and October) and two samplings during the rainy season (May and August) in the four villages of Champasak Province. The water samples were collected from 10 to 16 sites per village. Probe-based real-time PCR methods for detecting their snail hosts were developed. An infection risk map is under development. In 2026, water sampling will be conducted in Khone and Nangloy villages, where S. mekongi DNA was detected in the stool samples with PCR in 2024.
For the snail feed study, the optimal condition for the Bithynia snail to consume spirulina feed was determined. In 2026, we plan to feed spirulina to the O. viverrini-infected snails to investigate its effect on suppressing cercariae proliferation in the laboratory setting.
The genetic divergence of N. aperta indicated a high level of genetic differentiation both among and within populations. This pattern suggests that N. aperta is possibly undergoing localized adaptation or that barriers to gene flow, such as physical, ecological, or behavioral factors, are promoting the accumulation of genetic differences.
To determine the prevalence of S. mekongi and O. viverrini infections in the study villages, a total of 368 stool samples were collected from children and their parents and examined using the Kato-Katz microscopy and PCR. By the Kato-Katz method, 0 positive cases for S. mekongi eggs were detected, while 47 positive cases for O. viverrini eggs were detected. By the PCR, 4 positive cases for S. mekongi DNA were detected, while 93 positive cases for O. viverrini DNA were detected. S. mekongi DNA was detected in Khone village. A comparison of the stool test results from 2024 and 2025 will be conducted in the future. This result will be utilized for control and elimination strategies for the parasitic diseases.
From December 2024 to October 2025, the Ecohealth education intervention for opisthorchiasis was implemented in the target villages (Khone and Nady), Khong and Mounlapamok Districts, Champasak Province, led by the local key persons, including teachers, village chiefs, village health volunteers, women’s union members, and Buddhist monks. A questionnaire survey was conducted as an endline survey for the intervention in October 2025. However, the response rate for the questionnaire was low, so a follow-up survey will be performed in January 2026. From September to October 2025, a baseline survey of the Ecohealth education intervention for malaria was conducted in Nong District, Savannakhet Province. Four educational video materials were created and installed on the tablet devices (n=200). The intervention will be implemented from January 2026.
RISTRETRO project
Building (additional) capacities to support the RISk assessment and management of endemic TREmaTOdes in Lao DPR (2025-2027)
Lao PDR:
Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE), Department of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC)
Luxembourg:
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)
This study is financially supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund, Luxembourg Aid and Development, and Luxembourg Development Agency.
To control and eliminate water-related parasitic diseases in Lao PDR, this project aims to build new capacities for rapid assessment and management of trematode-related infection risks and to foster community-based health education and awareness. These challenges are not limited to scientific inquiry but also encompass efforts to promote prevention and control through health education and consciousness initiatives.
Water-related diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in tropical low- and middle-income countries. Among parasitic diseases, human schistosomiasis ranks as the second most dangerous after malaria. In addition, opisthorchiasis, caused by Opisthorchis viverrini, remains a public health challenge in Lao PDR and Thailand.
The LIST team will develop innovative, low-cost, and accessible environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling methods for environmental monitoring of multiple trematodes and their intermediate hosts, utilizing a portable device that operates without a power supply.
The eDNA will be collected using two different methods: the filtration method and the passive sampler method. The developed methods will be validated, and field data will be collected three times during the dry season and three times during the rainy season in the Lao PDR.
Risk mapping – Species distribution modeling (SDM) employing the MaxEnt algorithm and GIS application techniques will be used to map the risk of schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis in the target areas.
Translating data from the environmental surveillance of S. mekongi and O. viverrini and their intermediate hosts into actionable visualisation and educational tools tailored to diverse audience segments. Ensuring the sustainability of the tools developed in RISTRETO in Lao PDR and beyond.
Activities in 2025:
The LIST and IPL team made a courtesy visit and held a discussion with local authorities, including CMPE in Vientiane, as well as the Khong and Mounlapamok District Health Departments, in Champasak Province. The team visited the endemic villages of schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis in the two Districts, accompanied by the local authorities (Photo 3).
Photo 3. The LIST and IPL team visited the endemic villages of schistosomiasis and opisthorchiasis in Khone Island, Khong District, Champasak Province.
Perspectives
In 2026, the LIST team will develop eDNA sampling methods for the environmental monitoring of multiple trematodes and their intermediate hosts and transfer these techniques to IPL. The eDNA will be collected using those methods. The developed methods will be validated, and field data will be collected during both the dry and rainy seasons in the Lao PDR.
FEF Indo-Pacific Project: Climate Change, Environment, and Infectious Diseases Project (2025-2026)
Building (additional) capacities to support the RISk assessment and management of endemic TREmaTOdes in Lao DPR (2025-2027)
Lao PDR:
Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE), Department of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC)
International partners:
Center for International Cooperation in Agricultural Research for Development (CIRAD), Directorate of Veterinary, Food, and Rural Affairs New Caledonia (DAVAR), Institut Pasteur (IP), Institut Pasteur of Cambodia (IP Cambodia), Institut Pasteur of Madagascar (IP Madagascar), Institut Pasteur of New Caledonia (IP New Caledonia), Vanuatu Agriculture Research & Training Center (VARTC), Ministry of Biosecurity and Livestock, and Vanuatu National Laboratory (Vanuatu)
This study is financially supported by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The overall objective of this FEF project is to strengthen environmental surveillance of infectious diseases affected by climate change in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. By strengthening local capacities for surveillance and detection of infectious diseases of national interest in Madagascar, Lao PDR, and the Pacific region, this health project will contribute to improving living conditions for populations, supporting human development, and protecting ecosystems.
This FEF aims to capitalize on: – the strong presence of the Pasteur Institutes and the Pasteur Network in the Indo-Pacific region (IP Madagascar, IP Laos, IP Cambodia, and IP New Caledonia) and their network of local partners – the strong ties that members of the Pasteur Network have with local and regional authorities, as well as – the strong ties that their institutional partners, the “French team,” have in the same region: IRD, CIRAD, and the New Caledonian Department of Veterinary, Food, and Rural Affairs. In this project, IPL contributes to component 1, i.e., the research and control of schistosomiasis in Lao PDR and Madagascar. In Lao PDR, S. mekongi has been endemic in Champasak Province, the southern part of Lao PDR. In Madagascar, S. mansoni and S. haematobium have been endemic.
Developing innovative, low-cost, and accessible environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling methods for environmental monitoring of Schistosoma parasites and their intermediate hosts with support of the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). The eDNA surveillance method will be transferred to IP Madagascar from IPL. Infection risk maps for schistosomiasis will be created using the eDNA surveillance method and utilized for control and health education among local populations in Lao PDR and Madagascar. This two-year project is scheduled to commence in earnest in 2026.
