Enhanced laboratory capacity development: a boost for effective tuberculosis control in resource-limited settings

Abstract

Both routine and research tuberculosis (TB) laboratory capacity urgently need to be expanded in large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2009, the Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL) took a strategic decision to expand its activities by building TB laboratory capacity to address research questions and to improve routine diagnostic and treatment capacity. Over the past 7 years, a standard laboratory has been developed that is contributing significantly to TB diagnosis, treatment, and control in Gabon; training has also been provided for TB research staff in Central Africa. CERMEL has a cordial relationship with the Gabon National TB Control Programme (PNLT), which has culminated in a successful Global Fund joint application. This endeavour is considered a model for similar developments needed in areas of high TB prevalence and where TB control remains poor to date.

Implementation of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment in Gabon: lessons learnt from the field

“…MDR-TB represents an emerging public health concern in Gabon. Despite the increasing number of cases, few, if any, treatment options were available in the country until recently [2,3,10]. Here, we report on the outcome of a pilot treatment phase that aimed to introduce and implement the 9-12 month short-regimen scheme before its endorsement by the WHO in May 2016 [7].…”

Species identification and drug susceptibility testing of non-tuberculous mycobacteria by Line Probe Assay in Lambaréné, Gabon—a cross-sectional study

“…The laboratory receives samples from laboratories in peripheral areas for routine surveillance of drug-resistant tuberculosis. In addition, the laboratory performs susceptibility testing (Line Probe Assay and conventional DST) and monitors MDR-TB patients from the whole country using a culture technique [ 14 – 16 ].…”

Non-communicable disease co-morbidity and associated factors in tuberculosis patients: A cross-sectional study in Gabon

“…14 The Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL) tuberculosis laboratory serves the Moyen-Ogooué region, with a catchment area of approximately 170.000 inhabitants, and constitutes the national reference tuberculosis laboratory. In addition, patients from different parts of the country are regularly referred for consultation to CERMEL as clinical research centre, 17 , 18 , 19 with its TB laboratory having evolved into the National DR-TB reference laboratory, providing support for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, patients management, and drafting and implementation of tuberculosis guidelines.…”