Aga Khan Hospital Introduces 30-Minute Infection Diagnosis with Innovative Technology


Patients suffering from infectious diseases will now benefit from quicker, life-saving diagnoses and treatments, thanks to the new technology implemented at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi. This technology identifies disease-causing organisms in a mere 30 minutes, significantly reducing the previous wait time of 8 to 18 hours. This advancement is made possible by the installation of the Vitek MS Prime, a cutting-edge diagnostic platform developed by bioMérieux. Employing MALDI-TOF technology, this machine can swiftly detect a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and other difficult-to-identify pathogens responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and various other illnesses. In contrast to its predecessor, which had a limited capacity, the Vitek MS Prime can identify a much wider range of disease-causing organisms, such as anaerobic bacteria, filamentous fungi, and specific mycobacteria, in just a matter of minutes. “Previously, we had to send some samples to Asia, and patients would wait weeks for results. Now, we can do this right here, in our laboratory,” stated Dr. Shaheen Sayed, Chair of the Department of Pathology. In a press release, Dr. Sayed emphasized that this technology not only speeds up diagnosis but also enhances accuracy and facilitates timely, targeted treatment. This advancement aids in reducing inappropriate antibiotic usage, combating antimicrobial resistance, and saving patients from unnecessary expenses. Importantly, Aga Khan is the first hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa to obtain this advanced model, representing a significant leap forward in the battle against infectious diseases. The Hospital's CEO, Rashid Khalani, remarked that this achievement highlights the institution’s dedication to utilizing cutting-edge technology and fostering global partnerships to improve healthcare delivery. “As we know, antimicrobial resistance is a global health issue. Through this technology and project, we will be able to inform physicians and patients quickly and accurately, which will facilitate faster diagnosis and consequently quicker and more accurate interventions,” affirmed Khalani.

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