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Strengthening laboratory capacity through the surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Central Africa: the Surveillance Épidémiologique en Afrique Centrale ( SURVAC ) Project
Author(s) -
WakuKouomou Diane,
Esona Mathew D.,
Pukuta Elizabeth,
GouandijkaVasilache Ionela,
Boula Angeline,
Dahl Benjamin A.,
Mondonge Vital,
Mekontso David,
Guifara Gilbert,
MbaryDaba Regis,
Lewis Jamie,
Yahaya Ali Ahmed,
Mwenda Jason M.,
Cavallaro Kathleen F.,
Gody Jean Chrysostome,
Muyembe JeanJacques,
KokiNdombo Paul,
Bowen Michael D.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12631
Subject(s) - rotavirus , genotyping , environmental health , medicine , virology , multiplex , genotype , biology , virus , biochemistry , gene , bioinformatics
Objectives The goal of the SURVAC pilot project was to strengthen disease surveillance and response in three countries; Cameroon ( CAE ), Democratic Republic of the Congo ( DRC ) and Central African Republic ( CAR ). Methods Seven laboratories involved in rotavirus surveillance were provided with equipment, reagents and supplies. CDC and WHO staff provided on‐site classroom and bench training in biosafety, quality assurance, quality control ( QC ), rotavirus diagnosis using Enzyme Immunoassay ( EIA ) and genotyping of rotavirus strains using the Reverse Transcription Polymerase‐chain reaction ( RT ‐ PCR ). All laboratory data were reported through WHO / AFRO . Results Twenty‐three staff members were trained on RT ‐ PCR for rotavirus genotyping which was introduced for the first time in all three countries. In CAE , the number of samples analysed by EIA and RT ‐ PCR increased tenfold between 2007 and 2013. In DRC , this number increased fivefold, from 2009 to 2013 whereas in CAR , it increased fourfold between 2011 and 2013. All laboratories passed WHO proficiency testing in 2014. Conclusion Laboratory capacity was strengthened through equipping laboratories and strengthening a subregional laboratory workforce for surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Each of the three countries generated rotavirus surveillance and genotyping data enabling the mapping of circulating genotypes. These results will help monitor the impact of rotavirus vaccination in these countries.