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Diagnostic capacity for cutaneous fungal diseases in the African continent

  • Aida S Badiane
  • , Lala S Ramarozatovo
  • , Safiatou N Doumbo
  • , Ameyo M Dorkenoo
  • , Christine Mandengue
  • , Cara M Dunaisk
  • , Mamadou Ball
  • , Mariem K Dia
  • , Gilles S L Ngaya
  • , Hassane H Mahamat
  • , Hortense Kalombo
  • , Alasana Bah
  • , Zimania Cá
  • , Jose C Langa
  • , Ayni M Mohamed
  • , Margaret Mokomane
  • , Sarah A Ahmed
  • , Fahafahantsoa Rapalanoro Rabenja
  • , Roderick J Hay
  • , Richard O S Penney
  • Emma Orefuwa, David W Denning
  • University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar
  • Hôpital Universitaire JRB Antananarivo
  • Science University of Tokyo
  • Université de Lomé
  • Université des Montagnes
  • Namibia University of Science and Technology
  • Universite de Nouakchott
  • Hellenic Pasteur Institute
  • L'Association des Vétérinaires Africains (Rég. Afrique Centrale)
  • Ministère de la Santé Publique, Hygiène et Prévention, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
  • London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
  • Guinea Bissau National Health Center
  • Eduardo Mondlane University
  • National Public Health Reference Laboratory
  • University of Botswana
  • Radboud University Medical Center
  • King's College
  • Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI)

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous fungal infections are very common, especially in poorer communities and with intercurrent HIV infection. Determining the fungal pathogen in skin-related fungal neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) determines optimal therapy. We undertook a country survey across many African countries to determine the diagnostic capacity for skin fungal diseases.

METHODS: A detailed questionnaire was delivered to country contacts to collect data on availability, frequency, and location of testing for key diagnostic procedures and followed up with 2 rounds of validation by video call and by confirmation of individual country data confirmation by email.

RESULTS: Of 47 countries with data, seven (15%) and 21 (45%) do not offer skin biopsy in the public or private sector, respectively, but 22 (46%) countries do it regularly, mostly in university hospitals. Direct microscopy is often performed in 20 of 48 (42%) countries in the public sector and not done in 10 (21%). Fungal cultures are often performed in 21 of 48 (44%) countries in the public sector but not done in nine (20%) or 21 (44%) in either public or private facilities. Histopathological examination of tissue is frequently used in 19 of 48 (40%) countries but not in nine (20%) countries in the public sector. The cost of diagnostics to patients was a major limiting factor in usage.

CONCLUSION: Major improvements in the availability and use of diagnostic tests for skin, hair, and nail fungal disease are urgently needed across Africa.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1131-1141
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Dermatology
Volume62
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Malaria
  • HIV Infections
  • Africa
  • Dermatomycoses/diagnosis
  • Private Sector

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