Division
of Research
The mission of Research Division is to conduct
biomedical research in support of the Royal Thai Army
(RTA), in order to better understand, diagnose, treat
and ultimately prevent infectious diseases of
significant military importance. To fulfill this mission,
both field and clinical research utilize a multidisciplinary
approach with the support of well-trained
personnel, as well as the fully equipped infrastructures.
The staff functions in a complex that includes
the Clinical Research Center (CRC), specimen processing
facility, biomaterial repository, and laboratories
for immunological investigation, molecular biology,
and tissue culture.
Diseases of interest include malaria, rickettsioses,
HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Malaria surveillance, prophylaxis, and prevention
programs have been operating along the Thai borders
for decades. HIV studies, conducted in collaboration
with the US Army, have been internationally recognized for their achievements. Data from HIV surveillance
among RTA conscripts has been utilized as an
indicator to monitor the national HIV/AIDS situation
in Thailand. HIV genotypes and phenotypes are being
characterized among seropositive conscripts. The
HIV vaccine development program, started in 1991,
is currently in its Phase III efficacy trial.
The Research Division has excellent laboratories
to identify pathogenic rickettsiae, HIV, herpes
simplex virus (HSV), and Chlamydia species. Dot
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA),
a diagnostic test kit for scrub typhus patented to the
RTA since 1998, is being further developed for better
applicability in field environs. Health surveillance
among RTA personnel who are deployed as part of
the United Nations Peacekeeping Force is an ongoing
project. Furthermore, the Division serves as a
training facility for both undergraduate and postgraduate
students and for visiting physicians from
overseas.
For more information, please visit AFRIMS Thai Component site at www.AFRIMS.go.th
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