Project News

Cholera is pathogen in group 2 but has high risk of infection. According Law of infectious disease prevention in Vietnam, cholera is categorized as infectious disease level A, same with influenza. Since 2007, cholera outbreak has occurred regularly. Based on WHO's report, in winter 2007 there were 1,880 infected cases; 2,490 infected cases in spring 2008. In 2010, there were 600 infected cases. Strengthening the capacity of National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and developing network including system development and role distribution between Regional Institutes and Provincial Center of Prevention Medicine (PCPM) s are very important in disease control.

From February 8th – 10th, training course on Cholera diagnosis was organized in NIHE with participation of Dr. Binh Minh, Dr. Cuong (Bacteriology Department, NIHE) and Dr. Izumiya (Head of Bacteriology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan). Participants of the training course included one staff from NIHE, two staff in Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh, two staff from Pasteur Institute Nha Trang, 2 staff from Tay Nguyen Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and one staff from Daklak PCPM. Total number of participants was eight and three more participants from other organizations.

Training course based on SOP (Standard of Operating) prepared by NIHE and GMT (Good Microbiology Technique) to instruct participants on PCR technique, quick diagnosis method and isolation. Technique used in practice is toxR to distinguish Vibriocholera,ctxA to assess toxicity of cholera, O1/O139 rfb to distinguish serum. Participants of training course were expected to enhance the ability of cholera diagnosis in their organization. However, according to Dr. Izumiya's comment, most of the participants were not familiar with genetic diagnosis method, therefore, more training course should be organized.

Participants

Practice

Dr. Thuy's presentation on biosafety