Case Report: Soft tissue infection with capsular variant: case report from the Lao PDR.

Background: is an environmental bacteria closely related to that rarely causes infection in humans. Some environmental isolates have shown to express a capsular polysaccharide known as capsular variant (BTCV), but human infection has not previously been reported. Although has been identified in environmental samples in Laos before, there have not been any human cases reported.

Estimating the cost of illness of acute Japanese encephalitis and sequelae care in Vietnam and Laos: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a leading cause of acute encephalitis syndrome and resulting neurological disability in Asia and the Western Pacific. This study aims to estimate the cost of acute care, initial rehabilitation and sequelae care, in Vietnam and Laos.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study using a micro-costing approach from the health system and household perspectives.

Low seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus in Lao adolescents.

Objectives: There is currently no booster diphtheria or tetanus vaccine for Lao children before adolescence, despite international recommendations. We investigated seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus among Lao adolescents.

Methods: Seven hundred seventy-nine serum samples were tested for anti-diphtheria and anti-tetanus antibodies.

Lasting benefit of infant hepatitis B vaccination in adolescents in the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Objectives: Hepatitis B is endemic in Lao PDR with 8-10% of the adult population being chronically infected. We investigated the impact of hepatitis B vaccination on infection in adolescents born shortly before and after the introduction of the vaccine in 2001.

Methods: 779 students from Vientiane Capital and Bolikhamxay province were tested for HBV markers by ELISA.