VIROLOGY RESEARCH

Epidemiology and serological evaluation of flavivirus infection in Thailand

Study location

Study location

Bangkok Thailand

Research Lead

Research Lead

Thailand Ministry of Public Health

Study Specimens

Study Specimens

350,000 samples collected since 1992

Rationale

Why this study is important

An accurate understanding of geographic and temporal seroprevalence trends is vital to reduce the public health impact of common flavivirus infections, including zika virus, dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus. Laboratory assays currently in use to examine the seroprevalence of these pathogens suffer from cross-reactivity and may mis-represent true seroprevalence. For technical and other reasons, our knowledge of flavivirus seroepidemiology in Thailand remains incomplete. This study offers an opportunity to examine historical and current flavivirus serodistribution, and will contribute to laboratory capacity within the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.  

Thai Ministry of Public Health

Study Objectives

  1. Describe flavivirus seroprevalence in a representative historical sample population in Thailand

  2. Evaluate seroprevalences of other regionally important flaviviruses (dengue, Japanese encephalitis virus) in a representative historical sample population in Thailand

  3. Optimize and operationalize accurate neutralizing antibody assays at the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector-borne Diseases