Because of the close links with the Neisseria Unit at the Institut Pasteur (JM Alonso and MK Taha), knowledge of the PCR technique was passed on and PCR has now been used routinely since November 2002 to diagnose and monitor bacterial meningitis in Niger. The aim of the first component has therefore moved towards consolidating knowledge in Niger. The experience that CERMES has accumulated since 2002 has justified the selection of this centre as the organisers of the FSP launch workshop.
The CERMES team was strengthened in April 2008 when Dr. Collard, a senior biologist, joined the team in a new post funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr Collard has taken up the role of coordinating the FSP in matters relating to diagnostic techniques, taking over the role from Suzanne Chanteau.
The CERMES is currently involved in introducing the “Multi Locus Sequence Typing” (MLST) technique. This technique will make it possible in Niamey to carry out on-the-spot identification of potential new clones of N. meningitidis. The CERMES has also just acquired the equipment they will need to implement the MLVA (Multi Locus VNTR Analysis) technique in 2009 in order to better understand the epidemiology of S. pneumoniae.
