Etiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
The epidemiology of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in adults in Asia is relatively understudied, but of critical global importance. This is because of the potential emergence from this region of rare/new pathogens posing a pandemic threat or a danger as potential weapons of mass destruction. Malaysia, situated in Southeast Asia, a known hotspot for emerging diseases, has had previous imported human cases of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and H7N9, and H5N1 in birds. Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic here. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is a major travel hub for immigrants and tourists. We hypothesise that potential biological threats do cause SARI in Malaysia, but that these remain largely undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and laboratory diagnostic capacity. Therefore, we propose to study the etiology of SARI in adults admitted to a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur over 3 years. We will establish a comprehensive panel of molecular assays to detect respiratory viruses and bacterial select agents, supplementing existing diagnostics for bacteria and mycology. This will enable our centre to detect sporadic cases and outbreaks of respiratory agents which are potential global threats. We propose a workshop for biosafety practices in diagnostic microbiology laboratories, and a practical workshop to teach these newly established assays to other laboratories in the country, thereby enhancing national capacity to safely diagnose these agents, and contribute to threat reduction. In addition, a number of samples testing negative to known viral agents will be analysed by next-generation sequencing for potential viral pathogen discovery.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 2018
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710027
Entities
People
- Jamal Sam
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Universiti Malaya