Setting up a national reference laboratory for Buruli ulcer: the case of Benin.
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.
Affolabi
Dissou
D
Laboratoire de Référence des Mycobactéries, Cotonou, Benin, and Mycobacteriology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
Tanimomo-Kledjo
Blanche
B
Anyo
Gladys
G
Johnson
Roch C
RC
Anagonou
Séverin Y
SY
Portaels
Françoise
F
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