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Survey of clinical microbiology and infectious disease testing capabilities among institutions in Africa

Summary

This study surveyed laboratory facilities across Africa to understand what infectious disease tests are available. Researchers found that basic tests like bacterial identification are common, but advanced tests for viruses (other than HIV) and fungi are less available. The study highlights the need for investment in laboratory infrastructure to improve disease diagnosis and help countries respond to health emergencies.

Background

Inadequate laboratory infrastructure and testing capabilities are major impediments to addressing the infectious disease burden in Africa. Laboratory medicine capacity, including clinical microbiology and infectious disease testing, is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and disease surveillance. Understanding current diagnostic testing capabilities is essential for strategic investment in laboratory infrastructure.

Objective

To characterize the clinical microbiology and infectious disease laboratory capabilities among countries in Africa by assessing microbiological testing availability at hospitals, government laboratories, and public and private laboratories.

Results

Among 131 institutions in 28 countries, parasitology (80.9%) and bacteriology (77.9%) were most common, while mycology (45.0%) and virology (45.8%) were less prevalent. The most commonly tested agents were HIV (90.8%), Treponema pallidum (78.6%), Plasmodium falciparum (76.3%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (76.3%), and hepatitis C virus (74.8%).

Conclusion

Clinical microbiology and infectious disease laboratory diagnostic testing availability is variable across Africa. Improving access to virology (non-HIV) and mycology testing warrants prioritization to ensure capacity for responding to future outbreaks and addressing antimicrobial resistance.
  • Published in:American Journal of Clinical Pathology,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Survey,
  • Source: PMID: 39531321, DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqae148
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