Krong Battambang

Researchers are studying the immune responses to zoonotic virus exposure in healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years in Cambodia. The study focuses on individuals at high risk of exposure to animals or their excreta, such as those involved in guano farming, wet markets, or living near animal habitats like bat caves. The primary goal is to understand immunity to viruses including H5N1, Nipahvirus, and beta coronaviruses by examining people with varying levels of exposure risk. Participants will undergo whole blood collection, with 30 mL taken at the initial visit (Day 0) and up to two optional additional collections spaced at least 30 days apart. These samples will be used to analyze antibody binding and neutralizing activity against viral proteins, as well as to isolate viral antigen-specific B cells for detailed immune profiling. The study involves screening individuals based on exposure risk and may include those living or working within 5 kilometers of relevant animal habitats. During the study, researchers will collect plasma samples and perform immune analyses at multiple time points between Day 0 and up to 720 days later. Participants will be evaluated for antibody responses and B cell characteristics related to zoonotic viruses. The study includes careful monitoring of participants' health, with exclusion of those showing signs of acute infection or immune deficiencies. The total involvement period may extend over two years, with several visits and blood sample collections to assess long-term immune signatures.

Researchers are studying febrile illness in rural communities across South and Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. This extensive study aims to understand how common febrile illness is, what causes it, and what effects it has on people living in these areas. The research is funded by the UK Wellcome Trust and seeks to gather information on febrile illness on a scale never before attempted in these regions. The study focuses on Work Package A (WP-A), which operates at the community level by involving village health workers and small health centers. Patients who show signs of fever are recruited and assessed for symptoms. Since collecting specimens for diagnosis is challenging in these rural settings, the study uses finger-prick blood tests similar to existing rapid diagnostic tests, while also collecting dried blood spots for further testing. This approach helps identify various pathogens causing the febrile illness. Participants will be observed over time to track the incidence and outcomes of febrile illness. Researchers will measure how often febrile illness occurs locally and overall during the two-year period, as well as mortality and morbidity within one month after the patient first presents to a health worker or facility. The study involves clinical assessments and specimen collection to help improve future diagnosis and treatment of febrile illnesses in these communities.