The COVID-19 pandemic-proof laboratory in Burkina Faso: What challenges for the regularity of the diagnostic?

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) caused by the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Virus (SARS-CoV-2), has raised concerns about laboratory capacity around the world, particularly in Africa.Objective: To identify the challenges faced by laboratories diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 in Burkina Faso.Material and methods: The literature search was based on the consultation of scientific articles available in Pubmed, Google scholar, documents of the Government Information Service, Ministry of Health and laboratories of Burkina Faso, with keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, laboratory, diagnosis, Burkina Faso.Results: In Burkina Faso, faced with the growing demand for diagnostic tests, challenges such as limited supply of laboratory resources, continuity of power supply, sample storage and biomedical waste management have been identified. The number of laboratories is limited, and their location in large cities, leaving a dozen other regions aside, is also a challenge. The molecular diagnostic technique of real-time RT-PCR was initially used before the complementary use of GeneXpert technology for decentralized diagnosis.Conclusion: After reviewing the literature, uncertainty about the supply and continued availability of laboratory resources could be a significant handicap in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19. Efforts should be made through increased investment in equipment, diagnostic input supply and research in order to prepare for a possible recurrence of the disease