[National Laboratory for Mycobacterias. Evolution, missions and activities from 1991 to 1994].

The setting up of a new nationwide tuberculosis control programme allowed the creation of a National Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory. This latter originated from the small bacteriology laboratory of the antitubercular dispensary of the Institut d'Hygiène Sociale (IHS) and its activities increased tenfold within three years. Extension of rooms, a more numerous staff and the acquisition of a modern equipment explained those results. However, to carry out the tasks of such a laboratory a rapid modification of structures and a new job distribution facilitated by a cooperation with the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar are necessary.