Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
23:56

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model

Published on: October 31, 2010

17.1K

Optimizing Laboratory Diagnostic Services for Infectious Meningitis in the Meningitis Belt of sub-Saharan Africa

Charles E Okolie1, Unyime C Essien2

  • 1Diagnostics for One Health, Department of Microbiology , College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Landmark University , Km 4 Ipetu Road , Omu-Aran , Kwara State , Nigeria 251101.

ACS Infectious Diseases
|November 19, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Sub-Saharan Africa

Area of Science:

  • Clinical microbiology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The sub-Saharan
  • meningitis belt
  • faces a persistent, large-scale epidemic of meningitis, exacerbated by HIV-associated immunosuppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the current etiological spectrum of meningitis in the region.
  • To guide diagnostic services in targeting geographically relevant pathogens.
  • To advocate for a One Health approach in diagnostics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current diagnostic practices in the meningitis belt.
  • Analysis of pathogen prevalence and mortality data.
  • Proposal for a categorized laboratory approach.

Main Results:

  • *Cryptococcus neoformans* is identified as the leading cause of meningitis-related death (75% mortality).
  • Current diagnostic laboratories primarily focus on *N. meningitidis*, *H. influenzae*, and *S. pneumoniae*.
  • A significant gap exists between prevalent pathogens and diagnostic focus.

Conclusions:

  • Diagnostic services in the meningitis belt need to broaden their scope beyond common bacterial pathogens.
  • Integrating *Cryptococcus neoformans* and other relevant fungi into routine diagnostics is crucial.
  • A One Health strategy and categorized laboratory services are recommended to improve patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics14:56

Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics

Published on: April 6, 2019

33.5K
A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay TB-MBLA10:41

A Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay TB-MBLA

Published on: April 30, 2020

14.6K

Related Concept Videos

Rapid Identification of Pathogens01:25

Rapid Identification of Pathogens

MALDI-TOF MS has transformed clinical microbiology by offering a rapid and reliable method for pathogen identification. The traditional approach to microbial identification typically involves time-consuming culture techniques and biochemical tests, which can delay the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. MALDI-TOF MS avoids these delays by using characteristic ribosomal protein mass patterns of microbial cells, enabling accurate species-level identification within minutes.Principle...
Automated Microbial Diagnostics01:24

Automated Microbial Diagnostics

Automated diagnostic analyzers have transformed clinical microbiology by providing rapid and reliable methods for pathogen identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Among these systems, the Vitek 2 is widely used because it automates the traditionally labor-intensive processes of microbial identification (ID) and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), delivering standardized and timely results that are essential for effective patient care.Microbial Identification with ID CardsThe...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...