Lessons from the Field

Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification implementation in Cameroon: Challenges, lessons learned and recommendations

Valerie F. Donkeng-Donfack, Suzanne M. Ongoulal, Yvonne J. Djieugoue, Yannick K. Simo, Henri Manga, Danielle A.D. Tollo, Edwige M.A. Belinga, Vincent Mbassa, Jean L. Abena, Sara Eyangoh
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine | Vol 11, No 1 | a1792 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ajlm.v11i1.1792 | © 2022 Valerie F. Donkeng-Donfack, Suzanne M. Ongoulal, Yvonne J. Djieugoue, Yannick Kamdem Simo, Henri Manga, Danielle A.D. Tollo, Edwige M.A. Belinga, Vincent Mbassa, Jean L. Abena, Sara Eyangoh | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 November 2021 | Published: 26 August 2022

About the author(s)

Valerie F. Donkeng-Donfack, Mycobacteriology Unit, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Suzanne M. Ongoulal, Mycobacteriology Unit, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Yvonne J. Djieugoue, Mycobacteriology Unit, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Yannick K. Simo, Mycobacteriology Unit, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Henri Manga, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Danielle A.D. Tollo, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Edwige M.A. Belinga, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Vincent Mbassa, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Jean L. Abena, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Sara Eyangoh, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Until 2016, microscopy was the main tool for the early detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in Cameroon, especially in remote settings. Due to the poor sensitivity of microscopy, there was a need to implement a molecular assay in order to improve tuberculosis case detection.

Intervention: In 2017, tuberculosis loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP), a molecular rapid diagnostic test recommended by the World Health Organization, was implemented in Cameroon as a replacement test of microscopy for initial diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and also as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens. A roll out plan for TB-LAMP implementation in Cameroon had been developed from January 2017 to April 2017, followed by initial implementation at four sites in May 2017. Additional sites were added progressively.

Lessons learnt: The use of TB-LAMP as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens helped in the detection of tuberculosis in 14.77% of those who were sputum-smear negative in 2019. Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification usage as an initial test, followed by testing with Xpert MTB/RIF for rapid tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance detection during tuberculosis mass screening campaigns, reduced the turn-around time by 73.23% as compared to when the Gene Xpert instrument was used alone.

Recommendations: The implementation and scaling up of TB-LAMP in Cameroon contributed to increase access to tuberculosis molecular diagnosis in remote settings and as such improved tuberculosis case notification. However, to better enhance this notification and optimise the use of a TB-LAMP instrument, a suitable sample transport system is recommended.


Keywords

TB-LAMP; molecular test; implementation; roll out; notification

Metrics

Total abstract views: 1768
Total article views: 1950

 

Crossref Citations