Division
of Research
 The
HIV epidemic in Thailand, where subtype E is prevalent is one
of the most thoroughly documented epidemics in the world. The
dramatic rise in HIV infections has been well documented by biannual
surveillance in intravenous drug users, blood donors, pregnant
women and commercial sex workers. Pre-induction HIV-1 testing
is a routine surveillance measure conducted by the RTA. Health
evaluations of HIV infected Thai men with known dates of seroconversion
after discharge from the RTA provide important information about
the natural history of HIV infection, its clinical signs and laboratory
correlates. Researchers at AFRIMS from both militaries as well
as collaborators from industry and academia are focusing on the
development of a preventive vaccine. In 1995-1996, a trial of
a gp120 subtype B (the most prevalent clade in North America)
vaccine was conducted in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. In 1997-99, the
world’s first trial of a non-subtype B HIV vaccine was carried
out. Evaluation of "prime-boost" vaccine combinations
will be initiated in 1999-2000. The lead vaccine candidate will
progress to phase III efficacy testing targeted to begin in 2002.
Sophisticated laboratory techniques support all clinical and research
efforts.
Malaria is a significant military threat, with highest prevalence
on Thailand’s Burmese and Cambodian borders. In 1995, RTA units
deployed to the Tak province suffered 25% monthly malaria attack
rates. Increasing drug resistance requires sustained research
and development for effective drugs, vaccines, and repellents.
Efforts to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
malaria are ongoing.
Scrub typhus is a serious disease for military personnel. Diagnosis
of the disease based on the clinical presentation alone is difficult
because signs approximate those of other tropical diseases. Laboratory
confirmation is necessary and research efforts are directed towards
improved methods of diagnosis.
Priorities in the area of sexually transmitted diseases (Chlamydia,
Herpes, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma spp.) include
basic research on the epidemiology of these diseases, laboratory
diagnostic support, determination of the efficacy of antibiotic
treatment and the provision of health education.
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