Surveillance

The Institut Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire is the national reference laboratory for meningitis and it works in direct partnership with the National Institute of Public Hygiene, the body responsible for epidemiological surveillance. The Institut Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire routinely uses the PCR method to monitor bacterial meningitis in Côte d’Ivoire. PCR is adapted to the distance of the reference laboratory from the northern part of the country where meningitis epidemics are to be expected. Transferring biological samples can cause logistical problems but PCR can be used despite the fragility of the bacteria, which can hinder diagnosis by culture.

In 2008, the laboratory experienced some difficulties using PCR in meningitis and the laboratory temporarily stopped using the technique for this purpose. The laboratory reported concerns about inconsistencies in a reagent used to prepare the mixes. Furthermore, as a way of trying to reduce the proportion of negative results that may have been linked to contamination of the samples, the clinicians were asked to put the CSF samples systematically in two tubes, and only one of these tubes was used for PCR. As a result, some conflicting results were attributed to the possible presence of inhibitors. All these problems were fortunately resolved with help from the coordinator for biological matters.

Every week the laboratory sends its results to the National Institute of Public Hygiene which in turn sends the results to the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.

Microbiological surveillance of meningitis activities at the Institut Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire laboratory

Results of the microbiological surveillance of meningitis at the Institut Pasteur in Côte d’Ivoire