TB-Speed International training

The TB-Speed International training session took place in Kampala, Uganda from December 3 to 8, 2018. This international training session organized shortly before the start of the first inclusions in the different TB-Speed studies gathered in Kampala more than 80 staffs from the multidisciplinary research coordination team from 8 participating countries (Cameroon, Cambodia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia) and technical partners. The training included general sessions on studies implementation and protocols for all participants, and specific sessions on laboratory aspects for laboratory coordinators, implementation of paediatric bacteriological sample collection methods for study nurses, clinical procedures for principal investigators and project managers, data management and monitoring for data managers and clinical research associates.

Chest X-Ray training Module

Reading chest X-ray to diagnosis TB in children is a challenging task. Clinicians are frequently not comfortable interpreting pediatric chest X-rays. Laurence Falzon and Pierre-Yves Norval (TeAM) presented the training module for simplified chest X-ray reading based on 6 suggestive TB patterns that will be used in the TB-Speed decentralisation study.

Stool processing method

Stool samples are an interesting alternative to usual respiratory sample collection for tuberculosis diagnosis in children. Manon Lounnas (IRD Montpellier) trained laboratory coordinators on the stool processing method before molecular diagnosis using Xpert® MTB/RIF Ultra. This method is based on the use of a sucrose solution and a flotation method to separate  mycobacteria from feces before molecular testing.

GeneXpert Edge system and Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra

Dipti Lalubai and Rujeko Tsomondo (Cepheid) trained laboratory coordinators on the MTB/Rif Ultra (Ultra) test, a new highly sensitive molecular test to detect TB DNA in patient in less than 80 minutes, using the GeneXpert® Edge platform (Edge) an easy-to-use automated platform operating on battery developed for near-patient testing. The Ultra on Edge will be used in the TB-Speed pneumonia and TB-Speed decentralization studies.

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate Collection

Dr Bunnet Dim (Institut Pasteur in Cambodia) shared his experience from the PAANTHER study using of nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) as a sample collection method for TB diagnosis in children. Together with Aurelia Vessière (University of Bordeaux) they trained study nurses on the child’s preparations before procedures, the insertion of the catheter, mucus extraction and the assessment of the tolerability of the NPA.