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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Experience establishing tuberculosis laboratory capacity in a developing country setting
International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Volume 14, No. 1, Year 2010
Notification
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Description
OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of strengthening laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in a resource-limited country with high TB-HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) prevalence. METHODS: In the Kingdom of Lesotho, which is confronted with high levels of TB, MDR-TB and HIV prevalence, between 2006 and 2008 a coalition of the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Partners In Health and the World Health Organization renovated the National TB Reference Laboratory and reinforced microscopy services, streamlined conventional culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) and introduced modern TB diagnostic methods. FINDINGS: It was feasible to establish a biosafety level three facility for solid culture and DST and an external quality assessment programme for smear microscopy within 4 months, all in 2007. Liquid culture and DST were introduced a month later. Preliminary results were comparable to those found in laboratories in industrialised countries. A year later, line-probe assay for the rapid detection of MDR-TB was introduced. DISCUSSION: Through strong political commitment and collaboration, it is possible to rapidly establish quality assured TB diagnostic capacity, including current methods, in a resource-limited setting. Case detection and management for TB and MDR-TB have been greatly enhanced. From a low baseline, TB culture throughput in the laboratory increased ten-fold and has been sustained. This experience has served as a catalyst to translate policy into practice with new diagnostic technologies. It supports global policy setting to enhance and modernise laboratory work in developing countries. ©2010 The Union.
Authors & Co-Authors
Paramasivan, CN N.
Switzerland, Geneva
Foundation for Innovative new Diagnostics, Switzerland
Lee, Evan
Switzerland, Geneva
Foundation for Innovative new Diagnostics, Switzerland
Kao, K.
Lesotho, Lesotho
Ministry of Health
Mareka, Mathabo
Lesotho, Lesotho
Ministry of Health
Kubendiran, G.
Unknown Affiliation
Kumar, T. A.
Unknown Affiliation
Keshavjee, Salmaan A.
United States, Boston
Partners in Health
Satti, Hind
United States, Boston
Partners in Health
Alabi, G.
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Raviglione, Mario C.
Switzerland, Geneva
Organisation Mondiale de la Santé
Roscigno, Giorgio
Switzerland, Geneva
Foundation for Innovative new Diagnostics, Switzerland
Statistics
Citations: 11
Authors: 11
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
ISSN:
10273719
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Systematic review
Study Locations
Lesotho