In many parts of Lagos, laboratory testing plays a major role in diagnosing infections. However, due to factors like outdated testing methods, poor quality control, or over-reliance on lab results without clinical correlation, some infections are frequently overdiagnosed. This can lead to unnecessary treatments, antibiotic misuse, and patient anxiety.
Here are some of the most commonly overdiagnosed infections in Lagos labs:
1. Typhoid Fever (Widal Test)
Typhoid is arguably the most overdiagnosed infection in Lagos . Many labs still rely on the Widal test, which is outdated and often inaccurate.
- Why it's overdiagnosed: The Widal test can give false positives due to prior exposure, vaccination, or cross-reactivity with other infections.
- Better option: Blood culture is the gold standard for typhoid diagnosis, but it's less commonly used due to cost and availability.
2. Malaria
While malaria is endemic in Nigeria, it is often diagnosed without proper testing or based on vague symptoms like fever and weakness.
- Why it's overdiagnosed: Over-reliance on symptoms or poorly performed rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
- Better option: Microscopy with proper technique or high-quality RDTs.
3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are commonly diagnosed based on routine urine tests that may not confirm infection.
- Why it's overdiagnosed: Presence of white blood cells or bacteria in urine without symptoms doesn't always mean infection.
- Better option: Urine culture is needed to confirm UTI and identify the right antibiotic.
4. Staphylococcus Infections (especially "Staph aureus" in semen or vaginal swabs)
Many labs report Staphylococcus aureus from almost every sample, leading to panic and unnecessary antibiotic use.
- Why it's overdiagnosed: Staph aureus is part of the normal skin flora and doesn't always mean infection.
- Better option: Diagnosis should be based on symptoms, sample quality, and proper clinical judgment.
5. Candida (Yeast Infections)
Yeast is commonly found in vaginal swabs, even when there are no symptoms.
- Why it's overdiagnosed: Presence of Candida doesn't always mean there's an active infection.
- Better option: Treatment should only be given when symptoms are present.
Why It Matters
Overdiagnosis leads to:
- Unnecessary drug use, especially antibiotics and antifungals
- Increased resistance to medications
- Wasted resources and increased healthcare costs
- Delayed diagnosis of the actual illness
Conclusion
Improving lab quality, updating diagnostic protocols, and ensuring doctors correlate test results with symptoms are key to reducing overdiagnosis. Patients should also be educated to ask questions and avoid self-medication based solely on lab reports.