Health officials in Dominica have taken another step toward strengthening its public health system with the successful introduction of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for leptospirosis at the National Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services.
According to a Ministry press release, the new testing capability significantly enhances the country’s ability to diagnose leptospirosis quickly and accurately, allowing health officials to respond more effectively to cases of the potentially serious infectious disease.
The addition of PCR testing means healthcare providers can now obtain real-time diagnostic results, helping to ensure faster treatment, better patient outcomes, and timely public health measures to limit the spread of infection.
Lab Superintendent Eric Carbon described the development as a major advancement 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.
He added: “This development demonstrates the enhanced capacity of the laboratory in the detection of emerging and re-emerging diseases of public health concern.”
The achievement forms part of the National Laboratory’s broader efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostic services across the country. Carbon noted that additional PCR testing services are also expected to be introduced soon, further expanding the laboratory’s molecular testing capabilities.
“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.
Health officials say the continued expansion of PCR testing reflects the Ministry’s commitment to investing in modern diagnostic technology and improving the country’s preparedness for public health threats.
The National Laboratory is encouraging healthcare professionals to continue collecting and submitting specimens from suspected communicable disease cases under surveillance. Special attention is being given to samples from patients presenting with unexplained fevers, respiratory illnesses, rashes, and other conditions of public health concern.
Carbon also urged the public to remain vigilant during the hurricane season, when heavy rainfall and standing water can increase the risk of leptospirosis transmission. Farmers and other vulnerable groups were specifically encouraged to take precautions to reduce their risk of infection.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services said it remains committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services through the National Laboratory, supporting evidence-based decision-making and safeguarding the health and well-being of all Dominicans.
