Research Keyword: laboratory capacity

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

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.

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Spatial distribution of pathogenic fungal isolates from clinical samples in Uganda: Diagnostic gaps and trends, January 2020 – May 2024

This study examined fungal infections detected in Uganda’s laboratories from 2020 to 2024, finding that common yeast infections called Candida were the most frequently identified. Most cases occurred in women aged 16-35 years, particularly in the cities of Kampala and Mbarara. The research reveals that Uganda’s laboratories can only identify two types of fungi and cannot test which medications work best against them, highlighting the need for better diagnostic tools and training.

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Access to diagnostic testing for invasive fungal diseases and other opportunistic infections in Mexican health care centers caring for patients living with HIV

This study examined the availability of diagnostic tests for fungal and other serious infections in Mexican HIV clinics. Researchers found that most clinics, especially smaller primary care facilities, lack modern rapid testing equipment needed to quickly diagnose dangerous infections like cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis. These infections are common in people with advanced HIV and can be life-threatening, making access to rapid diagnosis crucial for treatment and survival.

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Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana – An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites

Researchers audited laboratory facilities in 9 major hospitals (8 in Nigeria, 1 in Ghana) to see how well they could test for fungal infections. They found that most hospitals lacked basic equipment, trained staff, and proper procedures for fungal testing. This is a serious problem because fungal infections can be deadly if not caught early and treated quickly.

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Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana – An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites

Researchers audited nine hospital laboratories in Nigeria and Ghana to assess their ability to diagnose fungal infections. They found that most laboratories lack basic equipment like microscopes and trained staff for fungal testing. The study revealed critical gaps in infrastructure and resources needed to identify serious fungal diseases, highlighting the need for investment in laboratory capacity building in African healthcare systems.

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