Scaling Up Laboratory Services for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Peru
Author Information
Author(s): Shin Sonya S., Yagui Martin, Ascencios Luis, Yale Gloria, Suarez Carmen, Quispe Neyda, Bonilla Cesar, Blaya Joaquin, Taylor Allison, Contreras Carmen, Cegielski Peter
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Hypothesis
Is it feasible to scale up laboratory services for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) in resource-poor settings like Peru?
Conclusion
The strategic design and implementation of MDR TB laboratory services is feasible in resource-poor settings.
Supporting Evidence
- Over the past 10 years, the Peruvian National Tuberculosis Program has strengthened the national TB laboratory network.
- Key lessons from the experience include the importance of training and validation of laboratory methods.
- Operational research guided the scale-up and identified barriers to effective capacity building.
Takeaway
This study shows that it's possible to improve lab services for treating a tough kind of tuberculosis in places that don't have a lot of resources.
Methodology
The study involved reviewing the experiences of scaling up laboratory services for MDR TB treatment in Peru, including training, method validation, and monitoring.
Limitations
The study does not provide specific quantitative data on the outcomes of the laboratory services scale-up.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on the Peruvian population, particularly in Lima, where TB incidence is high.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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