Introduction of overseas research bases
Niigata University Myanmar base
Enhancing Surveillance and Molecular Epidemiology of Respiratory Infectious Diseases to Bridge Gaps in Unsurveyed Areas of Asia
National Health Laboratory Over the past 10 years, this collaborative project has focused on respiratory infectious diseases, supported the recruitment of international students, and fostered the development of young researchers.
In Myanmar, the COVID-19 pandemic and political changes have led to staff shortages in many educational institutions and hospitals and a deteriorated medical environment. Despite these challenges, they have maintained their cooperative relationship with us. Our collaborative activities continue in Myanmar, which is recognized as an underserved area for infectious disease research. The targeted. Additionally, our sample repository in Japan includes human nasopharyngeal swabs, serum from healthcare workers, and pediatric diarrheal stool samples used for ongoing infectious disease research.
Major papers and achievements
- Whole-Genome Analysis of the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses Isolated from Influenza-like Illness Outpatients in Myanmar and Community-Acquired Oseltamivir-Resistant Strains Present from 2015 to 2019. Viruses. 15 August 2024. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/v16081300
- Detection of influenza A(H3N2) viruses with polymerase acidic subunit substitutions after and prior to baloxavir marboxil treatment during the 2022-2023 influenza season in Japan. Antiviral Research. 4 July 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105956
- Detection of enterovirus D68 among children with severe acute respiratory infection in Myanmar. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2024 Jan 5:S1684-1182(24)00002-1.
- Molecular Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus during 2019-2022 and Surviving Genotypes after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. Viruses. 2023 Dec 4;15(12):2382.
- Detection of parechovirus-A in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infection in Myanmar, 2017-2018. J Med Virol. 2023 Jul;95(7):e28964.
- Whole-Genome Analysis of Influenza A(H3N2) and B/Victoria Viruses Detected in Myanmar during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2021 Viruses. 2023 Feb 20;15(2):583. doi: 10.3390/v15020583.
- Epidemiology and Genetic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Myanmar during the Community Outbreaks in 2020. Viruses. 2022 Jan 27;14(2):259. doi: 10.3390/v14020259.
Message
Myanmar, situated at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, China, and India, is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases caused by emerging pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic and political changes in 2020-2021 severely impacted Myanmar’s medical and research systems, prompting many international projects to withdraw.
Despite these challenges, we have sustained our research activities, supported by the strong relationships of trust established over decades and the remarkable dedication of our local collaborators. By addressing the research gaps in infectious diseases within ASEAN countries and fostering information sharing with other research centers in Asia, we aim to monitor and mitigate the spread of emerging and re-emerging infectious disease pathogens, including those that may pose a risk to Japan.
Research Director or Center Director: Reiko Saito
Position: Professor, Niigata University
Degree: Doctor of Medicine
(Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University)
Biography
| 2011/04-Present | Professor, Division of International Health (Public Health), Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University |
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| 2008/04-2011/03 | Niigata University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Public Health Lecturer |