ACUTE JAUNDICE IN VIENTIANE, LAO-PEOPLES-DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLIC

Analysis of serum samples from patients with acute jaundice by means o f enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction test ing provided the first profile of this condition in Vientiane, Lao PDR , in 1995 and 1996, In a case-control, hospital-based study, evidence of acute infections due to hepatitis A and B viruses was found in 14% and 10% of cases, respectively. Hepatitis E virus, however, did not ap pear to contribute to clinically recognized acute jaundice. Similarly, antibody to hepatitis C virus was recognized in almost equal proporti ons of cases (8%) and controls (6%), thus representing probable backgr ound infections. The detection of hepatitis G virus marks the first re port of this virus in Lao PDR. The large proportion (21%) of new lepto spiral infections in cases without acute hepatitis A or B was notable. This finding suggests significant regional underreporting of leptospi rosis as a cause of acute jaundice. The limited laboratory diagnostic capabilities for confirming a differential diagnosis of leptospirosis contribute to the lack of attention paid to this important health prob lem.