Assoc. Prof. Ngo Thi Hoa
TMRC- Vietnam, Centre for Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, HCMC, Vietnam
Title: Unveiling the Hidden Burden: Mobilizing Action and Innovation Against Endemic Talaromycosis in Vietnam
Background: Talaromycosis, caused by the endemic dimorphic fungus Talaromyces marneffei, represents a severe yet frequently overlooked public health crisis in Vietnam. This highly lethal infection disproportionately devastates individuals with advanced HIV disease and an emerging population of non-HIV immunocompromised patients across Southeast Asia. Despite carrying a stark mortality rate of approximately 33%, talaromycosis remains underrepresented in national health priorities. This ongoing neglect is compounded by a historical reliance on slow, culture-based diagnostics that delay targeted antifungal therapy until the infection has systemically disseminated. It is important to promote a coordinated public health response to talaromycosis in Vietnam by advocating for a multi-sectoral framework that elevates disease awareness, expands access to modern diagnostics, and secures sustainable funding for localized medical mycology. TMRC– Vietam aims to 1/ Accelerating Diagnosis: we validate the rapid, point-of-care testing—the Mp1p lateral flow antigen assay—to replace outdated 14-to-28-day culture methods and reduce time-to-treatment from weeks to hours. 2/ Strengthening Research Infrastructure: We implement the clinical trials (LAmB-FAST) to optimize treatment regimens using safer, liposomal antifungal formulations. Conclusion & Significance: Talaromycosis in Vietnam is not a rare infection. It is a highly lethal but treatable disease in immuno-compormised patients. Elevating this specific endemic pathogen on the national health agenda will directly prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths annually. By investing in rapid Talaromyces diagnostics, clinician training, and targeted ecological research, Vietnam can transform its approach from reactive crisis management to proactive eradication, establishing a global benchmark for managing endemic mycoses.
Keywords: Talaromyces marneffei, Talaromycosis, Advanced HIV, Point-of-Care Diagnostics, Public Health Advocacy, Vietnam, TMRC-Vietnam.
Biography of the presenting author:
Associate Professor Ngo Thi Hoa leads the Zoonoses group, including 2 postdoctoral scientists and 10 staff currently. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanism of virulence and the AMR development of the emerging zoonotic bacterial pathogens. She has been Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator of research projects funded internationally by Wellcome, BBSRC, MRC, Pfizer, AXA, JPIAMR, NIH and nationally via NAFOSTED, DOSTs, OUCRU and Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine. These projects have enabled her to effectively implement multi-disciplinary research projects and develop community-based stakeholder research networks in different provinces in Viet Nam. Mrs. Hoa has a passion for teaching and training the next generation of scientists in universities and in her laboratories. Hoa has trained to completion 3 PhDs, more than 15 MScs, and 25 BSc students. She is also the Head of the Microbiology Department, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, and the Head of Parasitology and Microbiology Unit, Center for Biomedical Research, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.
Presenting author details:
Full name: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Hoa
Email: hoant@oucru.org
Website: https://www.oucru.org/people/associate-professor-ngo-thi-hoa/