Members of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), have restated commitment to strengthening capacity development in molecular diagnostics for improved healthcare delivery.

They spoke at a workshop on transforming clinical diagnostics with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology; From Microbiome Analysis to HPV Genotyping held at the Idi-Araba campus Lagos recently.

Participants explored practical applications of PCR in microbiome profiling, the significance of anaerobic microbial signatures in human diseases, HPV genotyping for cervical cancer screening, and strategies for integrating molecular diagnostic techniques into routine clinical practice.

Two keynote presentations, “How Molecular Testing Can Improve Vaginal Microbiome Evaluation in Women’s Health” and “The Impact of Male Urogenital Tract Microbiota on Fertility,” were delivered virtually Doctor of Medical Science and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Laboratory Diagnostics at Ural State Medical University, Russia, Prof. Ekaterina Voroshilina.

Facilitated by Prof. Francisca Nwaokorie of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Professions, CMUL, the event was organised through a collaboration between 21st Biotech Solution, Nigeria, and DNA Technology, Russia.

It brought together a diverse audience of gynecologists, pediatricians, periodontologists, fertility specialists, clinicians, medical laboratory scientists, researchers, and academics from various fields including molecular biology, oncology, dentistry, neuroscience, surgery and dermatology.

The workshop focused on the growing  PCR technology in advancing clinical diagnostics.

The participants embarked on a facility tour of the University of Lagos Centre for Neurological Sciences Research and Training (CENSRT) newly commissioned Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) – CMUL Molecular Laboratory.

The workshop also underscored CMUL’s commitment to promoting cutting-edge research and fostering international collaborations.