West African experts in
mycobacteria
Thanks to continuous support and training from
ITM, the Laboratoire de Référence de
Mycobactéries (LRM) in Cotonou, Benin has
become a well-functioning lab network for the
diagnosis of Tuberculosis and Buruli ulcer, both
caused by mycobacteria. LRM is even in the
running to become the first WHO supranational
reference laboratory in West Africa.
Previously, the analyses of Tuberculosis and
Buruli ulcer strains from Benin largely relied on the laboratory in Antwerp. But, with the support
from ITM, LRM progressively expanded the necessary analyses locally, starting from microscopy,
going on to implement culture, and finally performing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), otherwise
known as ‘molecular photocopying’. These analyses are crucial to successful diagnosis, to monitor
treatment and to reveal how bacteria react to antibiotics. And we believe this should be carried out
as close as possible to where most cases of a disease occur. ITM, an international reference
laboratory on mycobacteria itself, increasingly focuses on transferring skills by supporting and
ensuring the quality of analysis of regional laboratories, such as LRM.
In fact, after years of intense capacity building and collaboration between Antwerp and Cotonou,
laboratories from Benin and surrounding countries now turn to LRM to diagnose tuberculosis and
Buruli ulcer. The two institutes also develop research projects together, and ITM is increasingly
encouraging LRM to take the lead in these projects.
Dissou Affolabi is the Vice-Director of the LRM in Cotonou. He conducted his PhD training at ITM
with Prof. Françoise Portaels and, today, he leads a young and dynamic team of researchers and lab
technicians, several of whom have also studied at ITM.
A new highly specialised L3-lab, which is required to obtain
official recognition by the WHO, is currently under
construction at LRM. Referring to this building, Dissou
describes the essence of what ITM’s support has meant to
his organisation: “Qualified people are the foundation for
success. We are now ready to build walls without having to
fear that they will crumble.”
“Qualified people are the
foundation for success. We
are ready to build walls
without having to fear that
they will crumble.”
Dr. Dissou Affolabi
Vice-Director LRM