In Lao PDR, the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) evaluates bednet coverage, often at the village level, using a coverage target of one net per 2.5 (or fewer) persons in a given population. However, in villages that meet the target, not all households necessarily meet the target or utilize all available bednets. This study explored households that fell short of the target and household utilization of bednets in villages that met the target of bednet coverage set by the NMCP. The person per net ratio (PPNR), which is defined as the population divided by the number of available bednets in a household/village, was used to determine whether a household/village met the NMCP target. Using a household survey, we collected and analyzed the data of 635 households in 17 villages in Xepon district in 2012. Households that fell short of the target (households with a PPNR of > 2.5 or no bednet) existed in every village. The proportion of these households differed greatly among the villages, ranging from 3.4–50%, with some households falling far short. Of the 635 households, 275 (43.5%) had at least one bednet that was not being used on the night preceding the survey and 131 (20.6%) had at least two. In conclusion, in villages that met the NMCP target, a considerable number of households fell short of the target, and the available bednets were not fully utilized in many of the surveyed households.

InLao PDR, the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) evaluates bednet coverage,often at the village level, using a coverage target of one net per 2.5 (or fewer)persons in a given population. However, in villages that meet the target, notall households necessarily meet the target or utilize all available bednets. Thisstudy explored households that fell short of the target and household utilizationof bednets in villages that met the target of bednet coverage set by the NMCP. Thepersons per net ratio (PPNR), which is defined as the population divided by thenumber of available bednets in a household/village, was used to determine whethera household/village met the NMCP target. Using a household survey, we collectedand analyzed the data of 635 households in 17 villages in Xepon district in2012. Households that fell short of the target (households with a PPNR of >2.5 or no bednet) existed in every village. The proportion of these households differedgreatly among the villages, ranging from 3.4–50%, with some households fallingfar short. Of the 635 households, 275 (43.5%) had at least one bednet that wasnot being used on the night preceding the survey and 131 (20.6%) had at leasttwo. In conclusion, in villages that met the NMCP target, a considerable numberof households fell short of the target. Available bednets were not fullyutilized in many of the surveyed households.

In the present study, we report on the occurrence of paramphistomes, Fischoederius cobboldi and Paramphistomum epiclitum, in Lao PDR with the basis of molecular data. Parasite materials were collected from bovines bred in Ban Lahanam area, Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR at Lahanam public market. Morphological observations indicated 2 different species of paramphistomes. The mitochondrial gene cox1 of the specimens was successfully amplified by PCR and DNA sequencing was carried out for diagnosis of 11 specimens. Pairwise alignment of cox1 sequences were performed and confirmed F. cobboldi and P. epiclitum infecting bovines in Laos. Although there were many limiting points, as the small number of worm samples, and the restricted access of the animal host materials, we confirmed for the first time that 2 species of paramphistomes, F. cobboldi and P. epiclitum, are distributed in Lao PDR. More studies are needed to confirm the paramphistome species present in Savannakhet and its hosts to clear the natural history of these parasites of ruminants in the region and measure the impact of this parasite infection in the life and health of the local people.
Animals ; Cattle ; Diagnosis ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; Helminths ; Laos ; Natural History ; Paramphistomatidae* ; Parasites ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rumen* ; Ruminants ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Human taeniasis was investigated in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) between 2000 and 2011 as part of the nation's helminthiasis survey. A total of 55,038 inhabitants, including 29,846 school children, were examined using the Kato-Katz and scotch-tape anal swab method, and morphological observation of adult worms. Molecular identification of Taenia tapeworms was performed by multiplex PCR or DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cox1 gene. Taenia eggs were present at a rate of 1.5% (845/55,038) in the subject population. Adult tapeworms were identified as T. solium or T. saginata by analyzing the collectable stool specimens (n=126). Three specimens identified as T. solium were found in Luang Prabang, while the remaining 123 specimens, which were T. saginata, were found in Bokeo, Bolikhamxay, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouane, Luang Namta, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Saysomboune, Saravane, Savannakhet, Xayaboury, Xekong, Xieng Khouang Province, and Vientiane Municipality.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anal Canal/parasitology ; Animals ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Laos/epidemiology ; Male ; Microscopy ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Taenia saginata/isolation & purification ; Taenia solium/isolation & purification ; Taeniasis/*epidemiology/parasitology

Dengue is a public health issue in tropical south-eastern Asia responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Information on dengue epidemiology is necessary for developing strategies to control infections effectively. In the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Champasak and Savannakhet provinces account for around 30% of the national dengue burden. In this study, the dengue epidemiological profile in these two southern provinces of Lao PDR was described by analysing seasonal and spatial dengue notification data from 2003–2020 using the long-term mean (LTM) method. Savannakhet had a higher LTM (132.0 cases/month, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 92.2–171.7) than Champasak (113.3 cases/month, 95% CI: 86.0–140.5), with peaks in dengue notifications following the rainy season in both provinces. The highest notification rates were observed in July to September; these months were also when the LTM was most frequently exceeded. Previously, dengue notifications were largely confined to the western districts of Savannakhet and the northern districts of Champasak, but more recently, notifications have increased in the eastern districts of Savannakhet and southern districts of Champasak. While the notification rate remained high in children and young adults (5–30 years), especially among students and farmers, a shift in the age structure of dengue cases was observed, with a greater proportion of notifications now occurring in those aged over 30 years. Community-based vector control and prevention programmes are needed to restrict the spread of dengue into new geographical areas in the southern provinces of Lao PDR.