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

Summary

This study surveyed 131 medical laboratories across 28 African countries to understand what types of infectious disease testing they can perform. Researchers found that while most labs can test for parasites and bacteria, fewer can perform tests for viruses (except HIV) or fungi. The study identified that HIV testing is widely available, but better access to other viral and fungal disease testing is needed to improve healthcare and prepare for future disease outbreaks.

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.

Objective

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

Results

Among 131 institutions in 28 countries, parasitology (80.9%) and bacteriology (77.9%) were most common, while mycology and virology were less prevalent at 45%. 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, and strategic investment in laboratory infrastructure is warranted to reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.
  • Published in:American Journal of Clinical Pathology,
  • Study Type:Survey,
  • Source: PMID: 39531321, DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqae148
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