Potential distribution of malaria vectors in Central Vietnam: A MaxEnt modeling approach.

Background and Aim: In Central Vietnam, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus are the primary malaria vector species. These Anopheles spp.' distribution and prevalence are determined by environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these two Anopheles spp. in this region. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 15 Central Vietnamese provinces. From 2014 to 2018, we utilized An. dirus and An. minimus presence records. Proxy data from the Google Earth Engine platform for the study area, encompassing environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. MaxEnt software predicted the potential environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic suitability of these two Anopheles spp. in Central Vietnam. Results: The test area under the curve values for An. dirus and An. minimus MaxEnt models averaged 0.801 and 0.806, respectively, showing excellent performance. Minimum air temperature had the greatest impact on the distribution of both species. A negative correlation between precipitation and normalized difference water index influences the occurrence of An. dirus. In the temperature range of 13-19.5°C, An. minimus is most likely to be present, with nighttime light detrimentally influencing its distribution. The Central Highlands region is inhabited by both species, with some presence in North-Central and South-Central Coastal areas. Conclusion: The importance of temperature in determining the presence of both species is emphasized by our findings, with subtle differences in the temperature-related factors shaping their distributions. The results highlight the need for focused malaria vector control and surveillance initiatives in the study area.

Evaluating left atrial function changes by speckle tracking echocardiography in type 2 diabetes patients in Central Vietnam: a cross-sectional comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that detrimentally affects multiple systems in the body, with a particular emphasis on the vascular and nervous systems. Despite its significant impact, limited studies have explored the influence of this condition on the left atrial (LA) function. To address this gap, our study utilized speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to assess LA function in patients with T2DM in Central Vietnam. RESULTS: The cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 134 subjects involving 66 patients with T2DM and 68 healthy individuals meeting the selection and exclusion criteria of the study. In our study, healthy individuals demonstrated higher values for LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct), measuring 38.75% ± 5.43%, 19.58% ± 5.91%, and 19.16% ± 4.98%, respectively. In contrast, the T2DM group exhibited lower values for LASr, LAScd, and LASct, which measured 31.2% ± 4.56%, 14.77% ± 6.3%, and 16.36% ± 4.82%, respectively (p < 0.05). T2DM patients with normal LA volume index (LAVI) and normal left ventricular mass index (LVMI), LASr, LAScd, and LASct results were 32.07% ± 5.28%, 16.28% ± 6.95%, and 15.64% ± 5.32%. respectively. CONCLUSIONS: STE of the LA reveals a noteworthy reduction in reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions within the T2DM group when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these impaired functions persist in T2DM patients even in the absence of increased LAVI and LVMI.

Drug resistance and the genotypic characteristics of rpoB and katG in rifampicin- and/or isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in central Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are national health burdens in Vietnam. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of rifampicin (RIF) and/or isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH) resistance in patients with suspected TB, and applied appropriate techniques to help rapidly target DR-TB. METHODS: In total, 1,547 clinical specimens were collected and cultured using the BACTEC MGIT system (Becton Dickinson and Co.). A resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) was used to determine the proportions of RIF and/or INH resistance. A real-time polymerase chain reaction panel with TaqMan probes was employed to identify the mutations of rpoB and katG associated with DR-TB in clinical isolates. Genotyping of the identified mutations was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 468 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were identified using the REMA. Of these isolates, 106 (22.6%) were found to be resistant to 1 or both antibiotics. Of the resistant isolates, 74 isolates (69.8%) were resistant to isoniazid (INH) only, while 1 isolate (0.94%) was resistant to RIF only. Notably, 31 isolates (29.24%) were resistant to both antibiotics. Of the 41 phenotypically INH-resistant isolates, 19 (46.3%) had the Ser315Thr mutation. There were 8 different rpoB mutations in 22 (68.8%) of the RIF-resistant isolates. The most frequently detected mutations were at codons 531 (37.5%), 526 (18.8%), and 516 (6.3%). CONCLUSION: To help prevent new cases of DR-TB in Vietnam, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the genotypic DR-TB isolates.

Post-COVID condition: a survey of patients recovered from COVID-19 in Central Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence on post-COVID-19 conditions is emerging. This study aims to assess post-COVID conditions and related factors in COVID-19 patients in Central Vietnam. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on people who have recovered from COVID-19 at least 2 weeks prior to the online survey. Participants were interviewed face-to-face after 6 and 9 months from the first survey. RESULTS: 53 patients (21.2%) were confirmed to have persistent symptoms, of which, 100% and 94.3% reported prolonged fatigue and full-body weakness respectively. Loss of appetite was reported by 90.6%, while persistent cough, insomnia, and trouble sleeping were reported by 86.3% of patients. Headaches and dyspnea were reported by 69.5% and 56.8% respectively, while other symptoms had lower rates. The prevalence of post-COVID condition showed a statistically significant relationship with the time of infection, duration of illness, treatment place, use of herbal medicine, adherence to the 5K message from Vietnam's Ministry of Health, and daily saltwater mouthwash (p < 0.05). However, the use of medicine and supplements was not related to the post-COVID condition (p > 0.05). After 6 months, 125 participants were interviewed face-to-face, and only 15 people (12.0%) reported having post-COVID symptoms, mainly prolonged fatigue (33.3%) and persistent cough (26.7%). After 9 months, these 15 patients no longer had symptoms related to the post- COVID-19 condition. CONCLUSIONS: The post-COVID condition can persist for several weeks or months, but will mostly be in remission after 6 months, and completely resolve after 9 months from the onset of the infection.

Azole non-susceptible C. tropicalis and polyclonal spread of C. albicans in Central Vietnam hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Candida spp. are responsible for infections ranging from local to systemic, and resistance to antifungal first-line therapy is increasing in non-albicans Candida species. We aimed to determine the etiology of candidiasis and the antifungal resistance of Candida spp. isolated in Hue hospitals, Central-Vietnam. METHODS: Species identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry supported by fungal internal-transcribed-spacer amplification and sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations of azoles, caspofungin, and amphotericin B against C. tropicalis were determined by broth microdilution. Polymorphism of erg11 gene associated with fluconazole resistance was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used for typing selected C. albicans isolates. RESULTS: Overall, 196 Candida isolates were detected, mostly C. albicans (48%), followed by C. tropicalis (16%), C. parapsilosis (11%), C. glabrata (9%), C. orthopsilosis (6%) and to a lesser extent another eight species. High rates of resistance to fluconazole and voriconazole (18.8%) were observed in C. tropicalis with five isolates co-resistant to both agents. Y132F and S154F missense mutations in the ERG11 protein were associated with fluconazole-resistance in C. tropicalis (67.7%). Resistance to caspofungin was found in one isolate of C. albicans. MLST identified a polyclonal population of C. albicans with multiple diploid sequence types, and with few lineages showing potential nosocomial spread. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance to triazole agents should be considered in C. tropicalis infections in the studied hospitals, and surveillance measures taken to avoid Candida diffusion.

Climate shocks and responses: Perspectives and experiences of ethnic minority farmers in rural mountainous regions of Central Vietnam.

Ethnic minority farmers (EMFs) in upland areas of Central Vietnam are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate shocks and extreme events. It is thus urgent to examine their perceptions of the potential risks, their coping strategies, and the factors influencing their adaptation decisions in agriculture production. By exploring adaptation measures of the Xo Dang and Co Tu EMFs in Quang Nam province, Central Vietnam, the study results reveal that the EMFs are increasingly conscious of local climate shocks in the recent decade; as a result, they have applied multiple specific strategies in agriculture production to mitigate risks. The findings indicate that the key variables of the age of the household head, income, household size, residence period at the locality, and farmers' perception of climate change significantly influenced the households' adaptation decisions. Recognizing this, the study proposed specific recommendations and policy implications to minimize risks while maximizing benefits for the EMFs.

Two new cryptic species of Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia, Anura, Microhylidae) related to the M. heymonsi group from central Vietnam.

The Microhyla heymonsi species complex from central Vietnam was examined, and based upon morphological and molecular evidence, two new species are described. The discovery of Microhyla daklakensis sp. nov. and Microhyla ninhthuanensis sp. nov. brings the total number of known species in the genus to 46 and the species number of Microhyla in Vietnam to 13. The Truong Son Range harbors the highest diversity of the genus Microhyla with 11 recorded species so far. However, this apparent micro-endemic diversity is at risk because of habitat loss by deforestation, which highlights the necessity of further research leading to improved conservation measures.

Three new goatfishes of the genus Upeneus from the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, with an updated taxonomic account for U. itoui (Mullidae: japonicus-species group).

Coastal marine fish diversity from E India and Indonesia to S Japan is still insufficiently investigated. Of the 42 species of goatfishes (Mullidae) recorded from this area, 12 were described only since 2010 and ten of those belong to the genus Upeneus. During a recent review of species of Upeneus of the so-called japonicus-species group (characterized by seven dorsal-fin spines), 13 specimens that had been previously identified as U. guttatus from Indonesia and Vietnam were found to be distinct, representing possibly two undescribed species. These specimens were studied together with 20 U. itoui from S Japan, a rather similar species, and a yet unidentified congeneric from S Japan. In total 41 morphometric, 10 meristic and several colour characters were examined and detailed comparisons with a large data set from all 14 japonicus-group species conducted. Three new species, U. dimipavlov n. sp. from Nha Trang, S-central Vietnam, U. elongatus n. sp. from Tanega-shima Island, Kagoshima, S Japan and U. willwhite n. sp. from Lombok, S Indonesia are described and an updated account for U. itoui is provided. Among these four featured species, U. elongatus is the most different, having more gill rakers, the shallowest head and body and distinct colour patterns on caudal and dorsal fins. Upeneus dimipavlov differs from the remaining two species in having a more rounded and less laterally compressed body with a wider caudal peduncle and no conspicuous mid-lateral body stripe in fresh fish. Upeneus willwhite differs from U. itoui in deeper head, larger eyes, longer upper jaw and barbels and oblique bars on the lower caudal-fin lobe which do not cross the entire lobe. Additional comparisons of each of the four featured species with all other japonicus-group species and U. heterospinus were conducted providing evidence for distinction and differential diagnosis. Unvouchered in-situ photographs of four goatfish specimens from the Central Philippines that resemble U. elongatus in caudal- and dorsal-fin colour patterns are presented. The need for further sampling and associated taxonomic investigations as prerequisites for appropriate assessment of ecological and conservation parameters such as diversity, distribution and rarity is emphasized in the discussion.

Indigenous knowledge in relation to climate change: adaptation practices used by the Xo Dang people of central Vietnam.

Even though indigenous knowledge (IK) is considered as one of the most effective strategies in response to climate change issues, this form is not being sufficiently integrated into the climate change planning and policy at both local and national levels in Vietnam. This study investigates the role of the traditional agricultural practices of the Xo Dang ethnic minority groups in Central Vietnam and provides insights into the factors that influence farmers to adopt these practices in response to climate change. Primary data was obtained through three focus group discussions and 87 household surveys involving the Xo Dang people through face-to-face semi-structured interviews in the Tra Doc commune, Bac Tra My district, Quang Nam province, Central Vietnam. The binary logistic regression model was used to examine the factors which have influenced the choices made by this community in response to climate change. The results showed that Xo Dang people were highly aware of climate change risks and had, in response, employed their current adaptation practices. The major adaptation strategies implemented by the Xo Dang people included the use of flora and fauna indicators, native plant varieties, the adjustment of planting calendars, irrigation practices, and the application of intercropping. The results indicated that the living years, their monthly farm incomes, and farmer's perceptions of ongoing climate change effects on their environment were the factors that significantly affected farmers' adaptation decisions. Understanding indigenous knowledge plays a fundamental role in the processes of deciding the appropriate adaptation techniques more effectively and making use of human resources. Therefore, policy makers should pay much attention to indigenous knowledge to combat climate change in future national policies and projects.

A new endemic insular Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodctylus) from Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam.

A new species of insular Bent-toed Gecko, Cyrtodactylus culaochamensis sp. nov. of the C. irregularis group is described from Cu Lao Cham Mountain, from Hon Lao Island, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Cham Islands, central Vietnam. Cyrtodactylus culaochamensis sp. nov. is the sister species of C. pseudoquadrivirgatus from Ba Na Nui Chua from Danang City, central Vietnam. It differs from all congeners by having a maximum SVL of 79.8 mm (n=5); dark spots on the head edged in white; a fragmented nuchal loop; irregularly shaped, broad, completed or broken dorsal bands; 19-21 interorbital scales across the frontal bone; 28-32 scales between the eye and nostril; 45-50 rows of ventral scales between the ventrolateral folds; scattered, smooth tubercles; 20-22 irregular, longitudinal rows of weakly keeled tubercles at midbody between the ventrolateral folds; seven or eight precloacal pores in a chevron pattern in males; no enlarged femoral scales, no femoral pores; 13-15 subdigital lamellae on first toe; 20-23 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; and very slightly enlarged subcaudal scales.

Impact of Climate Variability and Abundance of Mosquitoes on Dengue Transmission in Central Vietnam.

Dengue fever is an important arboviral disease in many countries. Its incidence has increased during the last decade in central Vietnam. Most dengue studies in Vietnam focused on the northern area (Hanoi) and southern regions but not on central Vietnam. Dengue transmission dynamics and relevant environmental risk factors in central Vietnam are not understood. This study aimed to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of dengue fever in central Vietnam and effects of climatic factors and abundance of mosquitoes on its transmission. Dengue and mosquito surveillance data were obtained from the Department of Vector Control and Border Quarantine at Nha Trang Pasteur Institute. Geographic Information System and satellite remote sensing techniques were used to perform spatiotemporal analyses and to develop climate models using generalized additive models. During 2005-2018, 230,458 dengue cases were reported in central Vietnam. Da Nang and Khanh Hoa were two major hotspots in the study area. The final models indicated the important role of Indian Ocean Dipole, multivariate El Niño-Southern Oscillation index, and vector index in dengue transmission in both regions. Regional climatic variables and mosquito population may drive dengue transmission in central Vietnam. These findings provide important information for developing an early dengue warning system in central Vietnam.

Distributions and seasonal variations of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface sediment from coastal areas of central Vietnam.

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in surface sediment from five estuaries of central coasts of Vietnam to understand the spatial distributions and seasonal variations. The contamination pattern was in the order: PCBs (9.72-3730 ng g-1 dry wt.) > PBDEs (11.8-311 ng g-1 dry wt.) > DDTs (0.462-26.7 ng g-1 dry wt.) > HCHs (0.491-22.6 ng g-1 dry wt.) > endosulfan compounds (0.196-19.4 ng g-1 dry wt.). DDTs and HCHs showed a little geographical variation, whereas PCBs and PBDEs exhibited clearer spatial distribution trend. Elevated concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were detected in some sites in Nghe An and Quang Binh Province, which could be related to the human activities such as tourism, transportation, and domestic consumption. Seasonal variations of DDTs and HCHs were observed, showing higher residues in rainy seasons.

A new species of Limnonectes (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Vietnam.

A new species of Limnonectes from central Vietnam is described based on morphological and molecular differences. Morphologically, the new species is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following diagnostic characters: SVL 47.5-60.9 in males, 42.3-51.1 mm in females; males with moderately enlarged head (HL/SVL 0.48), head longer than wide; vomerine teeth present; external vocal sacs absent; rostral length short (RL/SVL 0.14 in males, 0.15 in females); tympanum invisible; dorsal surface of head, body, and flanks smooth; dorsal surface of tibia and foot distinctly tuberculate, covered with moderately dense, small, low tubercles; supratympanic fold present; dorsolateral fold absent; toes webbed to posterior of terminal phalanx; in life, dorsum with light yellowish brown markings, throat and chest white with brown markings, and ventral surface of abdomen white or white with brown markings. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is the sister taxon to an undescribed species from Cambodia.

Speolabeo hokhanhi, a new cavefish from Central Vietnam (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

Speolabeo hokhanhi, new species, is here described from Hang Va Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Son River basin) in Central Vietnam. It can be distinguished from S. musaei by having no papillae on the lower lip, no hump immediately behind the head, a duckbilled snout, a shorter caudal peduncle (length 16.8-18.6% SL), and the pelvic fin inserted closer to the snout tip than to the caudal-fin base.

A simple laboratory algorithm for diagnosis of melioidosis in resource-constrained areas: a study from north-central Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: Melioidosis may be endemic in many tropical developing countries, but diagnosis of the disease is currently unreliable in resource-limited areas. We aimed to validate a simple and cheap laboratory algorithm for the identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei from clinical specimens in parts of Vietnam where the disease has not previously been reported. METHODS: In June 2015, we conducted training courses at five general hospitals in north-central provinces in order to raise awareness of the disease and to introduce a simple and cheap laboratory identification algorithm for B. pseudomallei including the three-antibiotic disc test. RESULTS: Until the end of the year (7 months later), 94 suspected B. pseudomallei strains resistant to gentamicin and colistin but sensitive to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were detected in clinical specimens from 70 patients. All strains were further confirmed as B. pseudomallei by using a specific TTSS1 real-time PCR assay and recA sequencing analysis. Among positive blood cultures, positive rates with B. pseudomallei ranged from 3.4% (5/147) to 10.2% (32/312) in the various clinics. A total of 82.8% (58/70) patients were bacteraemic, with a mortality of 50% (18/36) among patients with known outcome. No death occurred in nonbacteraemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the introduction of a simple and easy-to-perform laboratory algorithm for the identification of B. pseudomallei from clinical samples, together with clinical awareness raising, can lead to the diagnosis of a significant number of melioidosis cases in resource-limited clinical laboratories which previously did not identify the pathogen.

Redescription and new records of Jansen's goatfish, Parupeneus jansenii (Mullidae), from the Western Pacific and Eastern Indian Ocean.

For Jansen's goatfish, Parupeneus jansenii (Mullidae), taxonomic knowledge has been rather poor and occurrence information restricted to a few localities only, with verified records from northern Sulawesi and Sunda Street (Indonesia), and Luzon (Philippines). This species is here included in the so-called "heptacanthus" group together with the Indo-Pacific cinnabar goatfish, P. heptacanthus, and five Indian Ocean congenerics, based on an evenly, symmetrically rounded posterior maxilla margin and similarities in meristic characters and preserved colour. In total 29 P. jansenii and 53 P. heptacanthus consisting of types, recently collected material from south-central Vietnam, southern Indonesia, and NE Australia, and geographically related reference material were studied along with single types of the other five heptacanthus-group species and P. angulatus, a morphologically similar Western Indian Ocean species. In total 62 quantitative meristic and morphometric characters including standard length (SL) were analysed after splitting the data into two size classes (small-sized fish, < 110 mm SL, vs. large-sized fish  > 110 mm SL) to account for size-related differences due to allometry. Diagnoses for P. jansenii and P. heptacanthus and a redescription for P. jansenii were prepared. Fresh-fish colour descriptions for both large- and small-sized voucher specimens of P. jansenii are provided and the effects of freshness status on colour patterns is documented. New records for P. jansenii for Vietnam, southern Indonesia and NE Australia (= first verified record for Australia) are reported and depth information (24-100 m depth range) is given for the first time. P. jansenii differs from the co-occurring P. heptacanthus - independently of size - in shallower body and caudal peduncle, smaller maximum head depth, shorter barbels, caudal and pelvic fins, shallower first dorsal fin, shallower first ray of second dorsal fin, and lack of small dark red or reddish-brown spot on or just below the eighth lateral-line scale. The populations of P. jansenii from Vietnam and Australia differ from each other in a single character, the height of the eighth dorsal-fin ray, but both overlap with the intermediate population from Indonesia. This comprehensive alpha-taxonomic approach provides a useful tool for uncovering the diversity of Parupeneus goatfishes.

Molecular Characterization of ß-Thalassemia Mutations in Central Vietnam.

The molecular basis of ß-thalassemia (ß-thal) mutations in North and in South Vietnam have been described during the past 15 years, whereas limited data were available concerning the central area of the country. In this study, we describe the molecular characterization and frequency of ß-globin gene mutations in the Thua Thien Hue Province of Central Vietnam as the result of a first survey conducted in 22 transfusion-dependent patients, and four unrelated heterozygotes. Nine different known mutations were identified (seven of the ß0 and two of the ß+ type) in a total of 48 chromosomes. The most common was codon 26 (G>A) or Hb E (HBB: c.79 G>A) accounting for 29.2% of the total studied chromosomes, followed by codon 17 (A>T) (HBB: c.52 A>T) (25.0%), and codons 41/42 (-TTCT) (HBB: c.126_129delCTTT) (18.8%). Other mutations with appreciable frequencies (6.3-8.3%) were IVS-I-1 (G>T) (HBB: c.92+1 G>T), codon 26 (G>T) (HBB: c.79 G>T) and codons 71/72 (+A) (HBB: c.216_217insA). Relatively rarer (2.0%) were the promoter -28 (A>G) (HBB: c.78 A>G) mutation, the codon 95 (+A) (HBB: c.287_288insA), which is reported only in the Vietnamese, and the codons 14/15 (+G) (HBB: c.45_46insG) mutation, thus far observed only in Thailand. Results are relevant for implementing appropriate measures for ß-thal prevention and control in the region as well as in the whole country.

Prevalence, perception and factors associated with diabetes mellitus among the adult population in central Vietnam: a population-based, cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has rapidly become a major public health concern in Vietnam. Although the prevalence of DM has been studied in northern and southern Vietnam, little data are available for the central region. Therefore, the aims of this survey were to estimate the prevalence of DM and to identify the perception of and factors associated with DM among the adult population in central Vietnam. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey in Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam in December 2014 using three-stage cluster sampling and probability proportional to size sampling in line with the World Health Organization STEPwise approach. Four hundred and eighty residents aged 20-70 years were selected from 30 villages in 10 wards/communes. After obtaining informed consent, all residents participated in interviews regarding lifestyle, medical history, and perception of DM and underwent physical measurements and blood examination for fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin. Factors associated with DM were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 376 residents were enrolled (response rate: 78.3%; females: 59%; rural residents: 61%). Among the participants, 14.3% and 18.9% of males and females, respectively, were classified as overweight/obese according to body mass index (BMI), 37.7% and 22.1%, respectively, had hypertension, and 36.4% and 11.7% had metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of DM in the entire population was 7.2% (27/376; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6-9.8). Participants aged 60-70 years were more likely to have DM than those aged 30-39 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 8.7; 95%CI: 1.4-56.0), and participants classified as obese were more likely to have DM than those with normal or low BMI (aOR: 10.2; 95%CI: 2.2-50.2). Furthermore, more than two-thirds (254/376, 67.6%) of the participants either did not understand or had never heard of DM, and less than half of the DM cases (12/27, 44%) were aware of their history of DM. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that the prevalence of DM among the adult population in central Vietnam was slightly higher than that in other areas. Additional research is needed to further explore perceptions of and practices regarding DM.

Distribution of Salmonella Serovars and Antimicrobial Susceptibility from Poultry and Swine Farms in Central Vietnam.

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and their antimicrobial susceptibilities on poultry and swine farms, sampled in 2 regions in Central Vietnam. A total of 67 poultry farms and 46 swine farms were sampled in a period of 5 months (from September 2012 to January 2013). Salmonella spp. was prevalent in 46.3% and 71.7% of poultry and swine farms, respectively. Altogether, 99 non-typhoidal Salmonella were isolated and the most common serovars were Salmonella Weltevreden (19%), followed by Salmonella Typhimurium (12%) and Salmonella 4,[5],12:i:- (11%). Overall, 71 of 99 (72%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one of the 14 antimicrobial agents tested. Both in poultry and swine farms, high levels of resistance were observed for ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, sulphamethoxazole and tetracycline. The presence of Salmonella isolates from poultry and swine farms which were resistant to different classes of antimicrobials suggests that alternative control measures to antimicrobials should be implemented. Moreover, an effective policy should be promoted to encourage a prudent use of these agents in animal farming in Vietnam.

The evolutionary dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in south-central Vietnam reveals multiple clades evolving from Chinese and Cambodian viruses.

In Vietnam, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), such as that caused by H5N1 viruses, is the most highly contagious infectious disease that has been affecting domestic poultry in recent years. Vietnam might be an evolutionary hotspot and a potential source of globally pandemic strains. However, few studies have reported viruses circulating in the south-central region of Vietnam. In the present study, 47 H5N1-positive samples were collected from both vaccinated and unvaccinated poultry farms in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam during 2013-2014, and their genetic diversity was analyzed. A common sequence motif for HPAI virus was identified at HA-cleavage sites in all samples: either RERRRKR/G (clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.2.1a) or REGRRKKR/G (clade 1.1.2). Phylogenetic analysis of HA genes identified three clades of HPAI H5N1: 1.1.2 (n=1), 2.3.2.1a (n=1), and 2.3.2.1c (n=45). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that these Vietnamese clades may have evolved from Chinese and Cambodian virus clades isolated in 2012-2013 but are less closely related to the clades detected from the Tyva Republic, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea in 2009-2011. Detection of the coexistence of virus clades 2.3.2.1 and the very virulent 1.1.2 in the south-central regions suggests their local importance and highlights concerns regarding their spread, both northwards and southwards, as well as the potential for reassortment. The obtained data highlight the importance of regular identification of viral evolution and the development and use of region-specific vaccines.