On June 28 2022, PNTU greatly welcomed Assoc. Prof. Thuy Le, a representative of Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University came to work on the collaborative project. The project mainly focus on Talaromycosis, a main cause of death in patients with immunodeficiency
Fig. 1: Welcome meeting was held at PNTU with the presents of Assoc Prof. Thuy Le and the Board of Direction and the other staffs of PNTU.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PNTU and Duke University has been signed in June 2021 aiming to foster the collaborative medical training and research. The NIH-funded project is one of the very critical step in the cooperation. The project will last for 5 years from July 2022.
Fig. 2: Prof. Ngo Minh Xuan, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the University Council appreciated the cooperation with Duke University.
Fig 3: Dr. Phan Nguyen Thanh Van, Vice-Chancellor of PNTU is highly appreciated the meaning of the research project
The project aims compare the diagnostic accuracy of a novel real-time PCR assay and three novel antigen detection assays for rapid diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei (Tm). Furthermore, the study can determine the epidemiological link between human infection and airborne exposure and the potential for Tm to cause an acute primary pulmonary infection in humans.
Fig 4 and 5: Assoc Prof. Thuy Le and Assoc. Prof Ngo Thi Hoa presented the research information and collaborative contexts of research between PNTU and Duke University.
Fig 6 and 7: Assoc Prof Thuy Le had a great time to visit the cutting-edge facilities and equipment of Biomedical Research Centers (PNTU).
In this project, PNTU is responsible for providing human and facilities resources. To enhance the quality of research, human resources need to be well-trained and well-practised. The project will be collected more than 600 human specimen of the immunodeficiency patients and healthy subjects in highland and lowland provinces. Through the project, we aim to have 2-4 Masters and 1 phD to develop professional team of research for the school.
Fig 8: Dr. Phan Nguyen Thanh Van and members of the projects
Fig 9: Staffs of Microbiology and Parasitology Unit are preforming research under observation and instruction of Assoc Prof. Ngo Thi Hoa.
In cooperation with PNTU, Duke University will deploy the project, transfer the techniques and equipment essential for the projects. Besides, Duke University team can support in term of discussing the results of study and the publication in international journals.
This cooperation has a significant meaning in the aspects of improving professional biomedical research of PNTU. In parallel, PNTU has also been planning to create more scientific cooperation in the long run with Duke University and NIH.