Establishing molecular microbiology facilities in developing countries

Abstract

Microbiology laboratories play an important role in epidemiology and infection control programs. Within microbiology laboratories, molecular microbiology techniques have revolutionized the identification and surveillance of infectious diseases. The combination of excellent sensitivity, specificity, low contamination levels and speed has made molecular techniques appealing methods for the diagnosis of many infectious diseases. In a well-equipped microbiology laboratory, the facility designated for molecular techniques remains indiscrete. However, in most developing countries, poor infrastructure and laboratory mismanagement have precipitated hazardous consequences. The establishment of a molecular microbiology facility within a microbiology laboratory remains fragmented. A high-quality laboratory should include both conventional microbiology methods and molecular microbiology techniques for exceptional performance. Furthermore, it should include appropriate laboratory administration, a well-designed facility, laboratory procedure standardization, a waste management system, a code of practice, equipment installation and laboratory personnel training. This manuscript lays out fundamental issues that need to be addressed when establishing a molecular microbiology facility in developing countries.

Molecular diagnostics in South Africa and challenges in the establishment of a molecular laboratory in developing countries

“…Infectious diseases pose a serious threat to public health. Identifying pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections and tracing the sources and transmission of these infections are important in the surveillance of organisms, outbreak investigations and in infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes [1,2]. Conventional microbiological techniques such as standard biochemical tests and disc diffusion tests have played a pivotal role in the identification of these pathogens but are more time consuming, less sensitive and specific and offer limited information as compared to molecular methods [3].…”

“…Conventional microbiological techniques such as standard biochemical tests and disc diffusion tests have played a pivotal role in the identification of these pathogens but are more time consuming, less sensitive and specific and offer limited information as compared to molecular methods [3]. Because of this, molecular techniques are in demand; they are used to make clinical decisions for patient management, to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies and to identify resistant strains that may influence treatment programmes [1]. In order to understand pathogen distribution and control the spread of infections timeously, accurate, reliable and rapid diagnosis is required.…”

“…In order to understand pathogen distribution and control the spread of infections timeously, accurate, reliable and rapid diagnosis is required. This can be achieved by the application of molecular typing techniques on which almost all epidemiological studies rely for pathogen identification, characterisation and genetic relatedness [1]. However, establishing a molecular microbiology laboratory can be challenging in developing countries such as African countries due to poor infrastructure, the lack of funding and the required expertise.…”

Development and on-site evaluation of an easy-to-perform and low-cost food pathogen diagnostic workflow for low-resource communities

“…Procurement of amplification reagents in many developing countries is problematic largely due to erratic power supplies and inadequate cold storage [29, 30]. Freeze drying of reactions could facilitate room temperature transport to, and storage at remote locations.…”

Safe Laboratory Practices in the Light of Covid-19 Pandemic: Way Forward in a Resource Limited Setting

“…Given these, we have taken time to highlight necessary precautional measures to be taken based on good laboratory best practices across the various specialities of medical laboratory services that can be applicable in resource-limited settings to prevent the infection of laboratory staffs and further spread of the virus [3]. Safety in the medical/clinical laboratories is one of the very important pillars in laboratory procedures and medical practice.…”