National Laboratory Successfully Implements Leptospirosis PCR Testing

The National Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is pleased to announce the successful implementation of

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for leptospirosis. This significant advancement

strengthens the country's diagnostic capabilities and enhances the ability of health authorities to respond rapidly to cases of this potentially serious infectious disease.

The introduction of leptospirosis PCR testing enables real-time diagnosis, allowing healthcare

providers to identify cases more quickly and accurately. Timely diagnosis is critical to ensuring appropriate patient management, reducing complications, and supporting prompt public health interventions aimed at preventing further transmission.

According to Lab Superintendent, Eric Carbon, the implementation of leptospirosis PCR testing

represents a major step forward in the modernization of laboratory services in Dominica.

"The Molbio Testing Platform is a PCR platform and that has greatly increased the

capacity of the national lab to test for a number of diseases, including leptospirosis. So we no longer have to send leptospirosis samples overseas. The speed of detection and in real time will allow us to have results in a very short order. So these are very important developments that the national lab has undergone," said Carbon.

"This development demonstrates the enhanced capacity of the laboratory in the detection of emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern."

This milestone reflects the National Laboratory's continued commitment to strengthening national disease surveillance systems.

Building on this achievement, the National Laboratory is also nearing the employment of

additional PCR testing services.

Carbon noted that the laboratory's expanding molecular testing portfolio is helping to position

Dominica at the forefront of disease detection and surveillance in the region.

"The national laboratory is also closing in on the implementation of PCR testing for

vaccine preventable diseases such as measles, the extension of the panel on gastroenteritis testing for varicella, and extension of respiratory virus testing to include RSV or respiratory syncytial virus. And that is in addition to established PCR testing for arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Oropouche. Also established testing for respiratory viruses such as influenza, COVID, monkeypox, and tuberculosis," he said.

The expansion of PCR testing services underscores the Ministry of Health's ongoing investment in modern laboratory diagnostics and its dedication to improving public health preparedness and response.

The National Laboratory is encouraging healthcare professionals across the country to continue the collection and submission of specimens from suspected cases of communicable diseases under surveillance. Particular emphasis is being placed on samples from patients presenting with undifferentiated fever, respiratory illnesses, exanthems like rashes, and other conditions of public health significance.

Carbon reminds the public to continue to be vigilant, especially during the hurricane season,

when heavy rainfall and accumulation of water is expected. Vulnerable groups such as farmers are particularly urged to protect themselves from possible infection. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, through the National Laboratory, remains committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services that support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the protection and promotion of the health of all Dominicans.