Follow-up of the implementation of microbiology at the Thakhek provincial hospital (Laos)

As part of the decentralized cooperation between Khammouane province and the Rhone-Alpes region, and in collaboration with Fondation Mérieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon and the Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, this mission optimized, sustained and expanded the work of Elodie Lungkhot (2009 – 2010).

The results after these two years is a working microbiology laboratory with autonomous and competent staff (currently the only one at a provincial level in Laos). One very important aspect was the training of medical doctors in microbiological documentation, to limit over prescribing of antibiotics leading to resistance. Good reflexes were acquired by most of them, and the laboratory is frequently in demand. Twenty cases of mélioïdosis were diagnosed. Moreover, the parasitology sector has been improved; technicians trained in parasitic coprology and new diagnostics have been created (amoebosis, giardiosis…)

Moreover, the whole lab of parasitology has been restored; technicians trained coprology parasitic and new diagnostics have been done (amoebosis, giardiosis …)

Finally, a study was carried out to network laboratories in the province, and to extend the expertise and skills developed in Thakhek to all district hospitals in Khammouane province.