Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Screening Salmonella in Animal Food and Confirming Salmonella from Culture Isolation
Published on: May 20, 2020
Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification implementation in Cameroon: Challenges, lessons learned and
Valerie F Donkeng-Donfack1, Suzanne M Ongoulal1, Yvonne J Djieugoue1
1Mycobacteriology Unit, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories: