Seroprevalence of measles and rubella antibodies in vaccinated and unvaccinated infants in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Background: Even though measles vaccination was introduced in the Lao PDR in 1984, coverage rates remain consistently low and outbreaks continue to occur frequently. This study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence of measles and rubella antibodies in vaccinated and unvaccinated children from Central Lao PDR.

Methods: Antibody titres of 1090 children aged 8-29 months who were vaccinated at different levels of the health care system were assessed by ELISA.

Timeliness of immunisation with the pentavalent vaccine at different levels of the health care system in the Lao People's Democratic Republic: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The timely administration of vaccines is considered to be important for both individual and herd immunity. In this study, we investigated the timeliness of the diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis-hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae type b (pentavalent) vaccine, scheduled at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. We also investigated factors associated with delayed immunization.

Pertussis in Lao PDR: Seroprevalence and disease.

Objectives: Pertussis is a debilitating vaccine-preventable infection. The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility and exposure to pertussis in Lao PDR in different age groups and subpopulations.

Methods: A total 3072 serum samples were obtained from different cohorts: children with documented vaccination, pre-schoolers, schoolchildren, blood donors, healthcare workers (HCWs), and pregnant women and paired cord blood.

Monitoring of biofilms grown on differentially structured metallic surfaces using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Imaging of biofilms on opaque surfaces is a challenge presented to researchers especially considering pathogenic bacteria, as those typically grow on living tissue, such as mucosa and bone. However, they can also grow on surfaces used in industrial applications such as food production, acting as a hindrance to the process. Thus, it is important to understand bacteria better in the environment they actually have relevance in.

Seroprotection at Different Levels of the Healthcare System After Routine Vaccination With Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis whole cell-Hepatitis B-Haemophilus influenzae Type B in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Background: The Lao People's Democratic Republic continues to sustain a considerable burden of vaccine-preventable diseases because of incomplete vaccine coverage and weak vaccine responses. We have assessed seroconversion after routine vaccination with the pentavalent vaccine to capture weaknesses of vaccine management at the different levels of the healthcare system.

Methods: A total of 1151 children (aged 8-28 months) with 3 documented doses of the pentavalent vaccine delivered at central hospitals in Vientiane and the provincial hospital, 3 district hospitals, and 10 health centers in Bolikhamxay province were enrolled.