Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
14:56
Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
33.7K
Laboratory Response to 2014 Ebola Virus Outbreak in Mali
Bassirou Diarra1, David Safronetz2, Yeya Dit Sadio Sarro1
1SEREFO Laboratory, University Clinical Research Center, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 7, 2016
Summary
Mali rapidly established Ebola virus (EBOV) diagnostics at the SEREFO Laboratory, enabling swift case identification and halting transmission. This proactive approach was crucial in Mali achieving and maintaining an "Ebola free" status.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Control
- Diagnostic Laboratory Science
Background:
- The West African Ebola virus epidemic necessitated rapid response strategies in affected nations.
- Mali implemented proactive measures to detect and contain potential Ebola virus disease (EBOV) outbreaks within its borders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the establishment and role of a national Ebola virus diagnostic site in Mali.
- To highlight the contribution of the SEREFO Laboratory to Mali's successful Ebola virus containment.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a national diagnostic site at the SEREFO Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako.
- Implementation of safety protocols and diagnostic procedures for Ebola virus testing.
- Collaboration between the Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, NIAID, and the Malian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Main Results:
- The SEREFO Laboratory tested 103 samples from 88 suspected cases, identifying 10 positive for Ebola virus (EBOV).
- Two separate EBOV introductions from Guinea were successfully contained, preventing wider transmission.
- Mali was declared "Ebola free" on January 18, 2015, and has remained so.
Conclusions:
- The SEREFO Laboratory's diagnostic capabilities were instrumental in Mali's effective Ebola virus response.
- Timely and accurate diagnostics are critical for controlling infectious disease outbreaks.
- The established infrastructure supported Mali's successful containment of Ebola virus introductions.
