title: Setting up a national reference laboratory for Buruli ulcer: the case of Benin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the experience of Benin, where Buruli ulcer (BU) is endemic, in the implementation of diagnostic laboratory services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There has been a gradual introduction of biologic diagnostic activities for BU comprising (1) training of a laboratory technician in a highly experienced reference laboratory; (2) acquiring indispensable laboratory start-up materials; (3) progressive development of diagnostic laboratory activities; (4) regular external quality assessment with an experienced reference laboratory and (5) decentralization of activities to various clinical diagnostic and treatment centres for BU in Benin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Setting up a reference laboratory for BU is a continuous process, which necessitates motivated personnel and the cooperation of an experienced external reference laboratory.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Référence des Mycobactéries, Cotonou, Benin, and Mycobacteriology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: Dissou
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Affolabi
authors.forename: Blanche
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tanimomo-Kledjo
authors.forename: Gladys
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Anyo
authors.forename: Roch C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Séverin Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Anagonou
authors.forename: Françoise
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Portaels
mesh_terms: D001541:Benin; D054312:Buruli Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011634:Public Health