Brief History
The mycobacteriology laboratory of Jimma University was established as part of IUC-JU collaborative research project between Jimma University and consortium of Flemish Universities from Belgium. The establishment began in 2009 and became operational in November 2010.

Description
The laboratories activities are mainly focused on basic research, training and service in the field of Mycobacteriology. The research component of the laboratory is mainly on basic and applied research which ranges from optimization of detection methods to molecular level research. The laboratory is also open for training on mycobacteriology techniques up on request by academic departments. It is involved in the provision of service to the patients as a part of national Mycobacteriology laboratory network. To assist in the quality management of Mycobacteriology activities in Oromia region, the lab is serving as a first stage reference laboratory for blinded re-checking of the AFB smears from 8 health centers from Jimma town and Jimma zone.

Available technologies
Fluorescent Microscopy, Culture to detect M. tuberculosis using solid media (Lowenstein-Jensen and Middlebrooke media), Culture to detect M. tuberculosis using BACTEC MGIT 960 TB detection system, Antibiogram on solid media (Lowenstein-Jensen) and liquid media using BACTEC MGIT 960 TB detection system.
   
Technologies soon to be available at the laboratory

• Line Probe Assay (LiPA)- molecular technique for detection of M. tuberculosis and drug resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid, 
• Spoligotyping facility – for molecular typing of M. tuberculosis
• GeneXpert MTB/RIF- molecular automated MTB detection and resistance profiling against rifampicin. The technology can also be applied against other bacteria.

Currently ongoing projects

• Predictors of TB related IRIS.
• Drug resistance among re-treatment cases.
• Added value of BACTEC MGIT liquid culture in diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis.
• Tuberculosis in diabetic patients.

Contact :  Gemeda Abebe (MSc, PhD scholar, Ass. Prof),
E-mail- mycobacteriologylab@ju.edu.et, gemeda.abebe@ju.edu.et,
Tel. +251911991285
POBox 744, Jimma, Ethiopia.