Led by Dr. Sowath LY, a medical epidemiologist, the Community Epidemiology Group stands at the forefront of pioneering research in public health and field epidemiology. Our dedicated team conducts comprehensive studies focusing on community-level health issues, with a primary emphasis on major topics such as dengue, rabies, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and a range of emerging infectious diseases, including arboviral and vector-borne diseases. The group collaborates seamlessly with various research groups and units at IPC to coordinate field data collection and implement community-based studies. Our ultimate goal is to provide a deeper understanding of epidemiology, risk factors, and evidence-based mitigation recommendations that can positively impact public health outcomes in communities.
Study of Dengue-Like Illness in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia (DENTHOM)
Dengue poses a pervasive public health threat in Cambodia, yet comprehensive data are lacking to evaluate its epidemiological parameters in the country. Our project is dedicated to assessing the occurrence of dengue and dengue-like syndromes in Kampong Thom Province through surveillance of children and adult inpatients at three referral hospitals in Kampong Thom Province and at Jayavarman VII Pediatric Hospital in Siem Reap Province. We also conduct laboratory follow-up of suspected cases in household contacts to uncover the true extent of transmission.
Resistance to Antimicrobials: Socio-Economic and Regulatory Factors Influencing Emergence and Dissemination in the South (RAMSES)
RAMSES is a pivotal project that is part of the AVIESAN “AMR South” network initiative. It seeks to explore the socio-economic and regulatory factors influencing the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By understanding the intricate links between these factors, our goal is to identify levers for enhanced AMR surveillance and control actions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our research will spotlight the socio-economic factors shaping antimicrobial circulation in society and the tools available to manage risks in humans, animals, and the environment. The project will span multiple countries, including Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Ivory Coast, and Madagascar.
Immunogenicity Assessment of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in Cambodia (RAB00056)
In collaboration with the immunology unit, we are conducting a critical study comparing the immunogenicity of the intradermal (ID) 2-site, 3-visit IPC PEP regimen to the intramuscular (IM) 1-site, 4-visit 4-dose Essen regimen, using Verorab vaccine (Sanofi). Our research sheds light on the humoral immune response (rabies virus neutralizing antibodies or RVNA) titers measured with the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test (FAVN) at various time points, including baseline, 14 days, and 28 days after the first PEP injection in two distinct study groups.
