Professional Application of Molecular Diagnostic Techniques for Infectious Disease Surveillance in North Central Nigeria

Molecular diagnostic techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) offer superior sensitivity and specificity over conventional culture methods for infectious disease surveillance, yet their deployment in North Central Nigerian public health laboratories remains limited. This study evaluates the professional application and barriers to adoption of molecular diagnostic techniques in infectious disease surveillance at state reference laboratories in Kwara, Benue, and Plateau States, North Central Nigeria. A mixed-methods design combines laboratory capability assessments with structured interviews of 20 laboratory directors and senior scientists. Capacity assessments measure availability of PCR equipment, reagent supply reliability, technical staff competency, and quality assurance processes for molecular diagnostics. Molecular diagnostic platforms were available in only 40 percent of assessed laboratories, and functional real-time PCR capability was present in one of three state reference laboratories. Reagent supply chain interruptions lasting more than two weeks were reported in 80 percent of facilities over a 12-month period. Technical staff confidence in molecular result interpretation was rated adequate in only 35 percent of assessed personnel. The study identifies equipment procurement costs, supply chain fragility, and skills gaps as the three principal adoption barriers. Professional recommendations include NCDC-funded molecular diagnostic hub development, regional reagent pooling agreements, and in-service molecular diagnostics training for North Central laboratory scientists. Keywords: molecular diagnostics, PCR, disease surveillance, North Central Nigeria, laboratory capacity