title: Importance of Madagascar's HIV/AIDS reference laboratory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to describe the challenge faced by the national reference laboratory to support the national HIV/AIDS response in Madagascar.
  
  
  METHODS
  Collaboration between the National Reference Laboratory of Madagascar (NRLM) and foreign partners (a laboratory and an international organization) on the basis of a tripartite agreement. The aim was to offer virological analysis to 259 HIV-infected patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An alarming proportion (13.9%) of drug resistance among HIV-infected patients was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NRLM contributed to improving the fight against HIV in Madagascar and led to the revision of national therapeutic guidelines. Strengthening reference laboratories has to be a priority in developing countries.
authors.affiliation: Lot III E 121 Mahamasina Sud, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar. Electronic address: andriantsimietrysandrine@yahoo.fr.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Andriantsimietry
authors.affiliation: Lot III E 121 Mahamasina Sud, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Razanakolona
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D003906:Developing Countries; D024921:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006077:Government Agencies; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007753:Laboratories; D008270:Madagascar / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D019562:Viral Load; D014766:Viremia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D014773:Virology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents
keywords: HIV; Laboratoire de référence; Madagascar; Reference laboratory; VIH