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Agusi ER, Schön J, Allendorf V, Eze EA, Asala O, Shittu I, Balkema-Buschmann A, Wernike K, Tekki I, Ofua M, Adefegha O, Olubade O, Ogunmolawa O, Dietze K, Globig A, Hoffmann D, Meseko CA. SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV -2 cross-reactive antibodies in domestic animals and wildlife in Nigeria suggest circulation of sarbecoviruses. One Health 2024; 18:100709. [PMID: 38533194 PMCID: PMC10963646 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic exposure of domestic animals, as well as wildlife, can result in zoonotic transmission events with known and unknown pathogens including sarbecoviruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals, most likely resulting from spill-over from humans, have been documented worldwide. However, only limited information is available for Africa. The anthropozoonotic transmission from humans to animals, followed by further inter- and intraspecies propagation may contribute to viral evolution, and thereby subsequently alter the epidemiological patterns of transmission. To shed light on the possible role of domestic animals and wildlife in the ecology and epidemiology of sarbecoviruses in Nigeria, and to analyze the possible circulation of other, undiscovered, but potentially zoonotic sarbecoviruses in animals, we tested 504 serum samples from dogs, rabbits, bats, and pangolins collected between December 2020 and April 2022. The samples were analyzed using an indirect multi-species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV -2, respectively. ELISA reactive sera were further analyzed by highly specific virus neutralization test and indirect immunofluorescence assay for confirmation of the presence of antibodies. In this study, we found SARS-CoV reactive antibodies in 16 (11.5%) dogs, 7 (2.97%) rabbits, 2 (7.7%) pangolins and SARS-CoV-2 reactive antibodies in 20 (13.4%) dogs, 6 (2.5%) rabbits and 2 (7.7%) pangolins, respectively. Interestingly, 2 (2.3%) bat samples were positive only for SARS-CoV RBD reactive antibodies. These serological findings of SARS-CoV and/or SARS-CoV-2 infections in both domestic animals and wildlife indicates exposure to sarbecoviruses and requires further One Health-oriented research on the potential reservoir role that different species might play in the ecology and epidemiology of coronaviruses at the human-animal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebere R Agusi
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Jacob Schön
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Valerie Allendorf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Anne Balkema-Buschmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Ishaya Tekki
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria
| | - Mark Ofua
- SaintMarks-Lagos Urban Forest Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI), Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Klaas Dietze
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Anja Globig
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Donata Hoffmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany
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de Aguirre PM, Carlos S, Pina-Sánchez M, Mbikayi S, Burgueño E, Tendobi C, Chiva L, Holguín Á, Reina G. High pre-Delta and early-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence detected in dried blood samples from Kinshasa (D.R. Congo). J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29529. [PMID: 38516764 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa have yielded varying results, although authors universally agree the real burden surpasses reported cases. The primary objective of this study was to determine SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among patients attending Monkole Hospital in Kinshasa (D.R. Congo). The secondary objective was to evaluate the analytic performance of two chemiluminescence platforms: Elecsys® (Roche) and VirClia® (Vircell) on dried blood spot samples (DBS). The study population (N = 373) was recruited in two stages: a mid-2021 blood donor cohort (15.5% women) and a mid-2022 women cohort. Crude global seroprevalence was 61% (53.9%-67.8%) pre-Delta in 2021 and 90.2% (84.7%-94.2%) post-Omicron in 2022. Anti-spike (S) antibody levels significantly increased from 53.1 (31.8-131.3) U/mL in 2021 to 436.5 (219.3-950.5) U/mL in 2022 and were significantly higher above 45 years old in the 2022 population. Both platforms showed good analytic performance on DBS samples: sensitivity was 96.8% for IgG (antiN/S) (93.9%-98.5%) and 96.0% (93.0%-98.0%) for anti-S quantification. These results provide additional support for the notion that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is more widespread than indicated by case-based surveillance and will be able to guide the pandemic response and strategy moving forward. Likewise, this study contributes evidence to the reliability of DBS as a tool for serological testing and diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Carlos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA) Irunlarrea, 3, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Samclide Mbikayi
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eduardo Burgueño
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Céline Tendobi
- Centre Hospitalier Monkole, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Luis Chiva
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - África Holguín
- Laboratorio Epidemiología Molecular VIH-1, Hospital Ramón y Cajal -IRYCIS y CIBERESP-RITIP, Madrid, Spain
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Shuaib F, Odusolu Y, Okposen BB, Osibogun O, Akanmu S, Mohammed A, Yahya S, Akande T, Aliyu A, Ifeadike C, Akande A, Aigbokhaode A, Adebiyi A, Tobin-West C, Olatunya OS, Aguwa E, Danjuma G, Dika J, Nwosu A, Olubodun T, Oladunjoye A, Giwa O, Osibogun A. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Coverage and Seropositivity amongst Nigerians 18 Years Old and Above. Niger Postgrad Med J 2024; 31:8-13. [PMID: 38321792 DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_299_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This was a cross-sectional community-based survey to study the prevalence of serum antibodies against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-COV-1) and determine possible source of antibodies as to whether from vaccination or from natural infection as well as attempt to compare antibody levels in response to the different four types of vaccines administered in Nigeria. METHODS A cross-sectional community-based study of the prevalence of serum antibodies against all four vaccine types used in Nigeria amongst a representative sample of people aged 18 years and above in the six geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage sampling technique covering 12 states of the country with two states being randomly selected from each geopolitical zone. High-throughput Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay system (Elecsys Anti-SARS-COV-1 Cobas) was used for qualitative and quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-COV-1 in human plasma. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the proportions with seropositivity for both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated (P = 0.95). The nucleocapsid antibody (anti-Nc) titres were similar in both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated, whereas the Spike protein antibody (anti-S) titres were significantly higher amongst the vaccinated than amongst the unvaccinated. Antibody levels in subjects who received different vaccines were compared to provide information for policy. CONCLUSION While only 45.9% of the subjects were reported to have been vaccinated, 98.7% of the subjects had had contact with the SARS-COV-1 as evidenced by the presence of nucleocapsid (NC) antibodies in their plasma. The 1.3% who had not been exposed to the virus, had spike protein antibodies which most likely resulted from vaccination in the absence of NC antibodies. Successive vaccination and booster doses either through heterogeneous or homologous vaccines increased antibody titres, and this stimulation of immune memory may offer greater protection against coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Shuaib
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Yetunde Odusolu
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Sulaimon Akanmu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine University of Lagos, Zaria, Nigeria
| | | | - Shuaib Yahya
- Department of Community Health, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Tanimola Akande
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Alhaji Aliyu
- Department of Community Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Chigozie Ifeadike
- Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Aderonke Akande
- Primary Health Care Board, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Akin Adebiyi
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Medicine University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Charles Tobin-West
- Department of Community Health, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Aguwa
- Department of Community Health University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Joseph Dika
- Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Augustina Nwosu
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine University of Lagos, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Tope Olubodun
- Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Adebimpe Oladunjoye
- Primary Health Care Department, Badagry West Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Opeyemi Giwa
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Akin Osibogun
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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4
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Charlotte EE, Edgar MML, Yolande PD, Daniele-Christiane KMK, Betoko MR, Patricia E, Iyawa H, Ngenge MB, Abigaelle M, Diomède NN, Dominique E, Gaelle NK, Juliana J, Karen E, Georgette MEJ, Margaret EM, Doriane E, Penda CI. Comparison of in-hospital mortality in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease in a resource-limited setting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Arch Pediatr 2024; 31:38-43. [PMID: 37989661 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) has variable presentations (from mild to severe disease), and the main symptoms are vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that the desertion of hospitals due to the pandemic would lead to late arrival at the emergency room and an increased mortality. In this study, we sought to measure and compare the mortality of children with sickle cell disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the sickle cell disease management center of Laquintinie Hospital in Douala (Cameroon). The study period was divided into two, i.e., from March 2019 to February 2020 (Pre-COVID-19) and from March 2020 to February 2021 (COVID-19). All administrative and ethical considerations were fully respected. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS Overall, 823 patients were admitted during the study period. Males represented 52.4% of the overall population, giving a sex ratio of 1.1:1. We admitted 479 patients during the pre-COVID-19 period versus 344 patients during the COVID-19 period, which is a 28.2% drop in admissions during the COVID-19 period. The mortality rate was 3.5% during the pre-COVID-19 period and 3.2% during the COVID-19 period (p>0.05). The most common causes of death were ACS (39.3%, n = 11), severe anemia (25.0%, n = 7), and VOC (17.9%, n = 5). ACS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.628, 95% confidence interval [CI], [1.645-7.005], p<0.001) was significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, although the consultation frequency decreased, the mortality rate of sickle cell disease patients remained unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eposse Ekoube Charlotte
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Mandeng Ma Linwa Edgar
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
| | | | | | - Mbono Ritha Betoko
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Epee Patricia
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Hassanatou Iyawa
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Megoze Abigaelle
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Noukeu Njinkui Diomède
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Enyama Dominique
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ekotto Karen
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Ekoe Doriane
- Laquintinie Hospital of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Calixte Ida Penda
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
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Akanmu S, Herrera BB, Chaplin B, Ogunsola S, Osibogun A, Onawoga F, John-Olabode S, Akase IE, Nwosu A, Hamel DJ, Chang CA, Kanki PJ. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Lagos, Nigeria with robust antibody and cellular immune responses. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2023; 3:100156. [PMID: 37388808 PMCID: PMC10289822 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2023.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early evidence suggested that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was less severe in Africa compared to other parts of the world. However, more recent studies indicate higher SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality rates on the continent than previously documented. Research is needed to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity in Africa. Methods In early 2021, we studied the immune responses in healthcare workers (HCWs) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (n = 134) and Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine recipients from the general population (n = 116) across five local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. Western blots were used to simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid (N) antibodies (n = 250), and stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with N followed by an IFN-γ ELISA was used to examine T cell responses (n = 114). Results Antibody data demonstrated high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of 72·4% (97/134) in HCWs and 60·3% (70/116) in the general population. Antibodies directed to only SARS-CoV-2 N, suggesting pre-existing coronavirus immunity, were seen in 9·7% (13/134) of HCWs and 15·5% (18/116) of the general population. T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 N (n = 114) were robust in detecting exposure to the virus, demonstrating 87·5% sensitivity and 92·9% specificity in a subset of control samples tested. T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 N were also observed in 83.3% of individuals with N-only antibodies, further suggesting that prior non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection may provide cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions These results have important implications for understanding the paradoxically high SARS-CoV-2 infection with low mortality rate in Africa and supports the need to better understand the implications of SARS-CoV-2 cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaimon Akanmu
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bobby Brooke Herrera
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, 89 French St, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Rutgers University, 112 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Mir Biosciences, Inc., 12 Depot Way, Dunellen, NJ, USA
| | - Beth Chaplin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sade Ogunsola
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Akin Osibogun
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Fatima Onawoga
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sarah John-Olabode
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Iorhen E Akase
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Augustina Nwosu
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Eyo Ita Crescent, Akoka Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Donald J Hamel
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte A Chang
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Phyllis J Kanki
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 651 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
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Sadiq M, Croucher S, Dutta D. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Content Analysis of Nigerian YouTube Videos. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1057. [PMID: 37376446 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is key to developing herd immunity against COVID-19; however, the attitude of Nigerians towards being vaccinated stalled at the 70% vaccination target. This study engages Theory of Planned Behaviour to analyse the tone of Nigerian YouTube headlines/titles, and the tone of YouTube users' comments to examine the causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. YouTube videos uploaded between March 2021 and December 2022 were analysed using a content analytic approach. Results show 53.5% of the videos had a positive tone, while 40.5% were negative, and 6% neutral. Second, findings indicate most of the Nigerian YouTube users' comments were neutral (62.6%), while 32.4%, were negative, and 5% were positive. From the antivaccine themes, analysis shows the people's lack of trust in the government on vaccines (15.7%) and the presence of vaccine conspiracy theories mostly related to expressions of religion and biotechnology (46.08%) were the main causes of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria. The study presents implications for theory and recommends ways for governments to develop better vaccination communication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Sadiq
- School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Croucher
- School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University, Wellington 6022, New Zealand
| | - Debalina Dutta
- School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Mseka UL, Mandolo J, Nyoni K, Divala O, Kambalame D, Mapemba D, Kamzati M, Chibwe I, Henrion MY, Manda K, Thindwa D, Mvula M, Odala B, Kamng'ona R, Dzinza N, Jere KC, Feasey N, Ho A, Amoah AS, Gordon M, Swarthout TD, Crampin A, Heyderman RS, Kagoli M, Chitsa-Banda E, Mitambo C, Phuka J, Chilima B, Kasambara W, Jambo KC, Chauma-Mwale A. Omicron B.1.1.529 variant infections associated with severe disease are uncommon in a COVID-19 under-vaccinated, high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence population in Malawi. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101800. [PMID: 36600885 PMCID: PMC9800171 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in the fourth COVID-19 pandemic wave across the southern African region, including Malawi. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their association with epidemiological trends of hospitalisations and deaths are needed to aid locally relevant public health policy decisions. Methods We conducted a population-based serosurvey from December 27, 2021 to January 17, 2022, in 7 districts across Malawi to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain total antibody commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also evaluated COVID-19 epidemiologic trends in Malawi, including cases, hospitalisations and deaths from April 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022, collected using the routine national COVID-19 reporting system. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to investigate the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. Findings Serum samples were analysed from 4619 participants (57% female; 60% aged 18-50 years), of whom 878/3794 (23%) of vaccine eligible adults had received a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine. The overall assay-adjusted seroprevalence was 83.7% (95% confidence interval (CI), 79.3%-93.4%). Seroprevalence was lowest among children <13 years of age (66%) and highest among adults 18-50 years of age (82%). Seroprevalence was higher among vaccinated compared to unvaccinated participants (1 dose, 94% vs. 77%, adjusted odds ratio 4.89 [95% CI, 3.43-7.22]; 2 doses, 97% vs. 77%, aOR 6.62 [95% CI, 4.14-11.3]). Urban residents were more likely to be seropositive than those from rural settings (91% vs. 78%, aOR 2.76 [95% CI, 2.16-3.55]). There was at least a two-fold reduction in the proportion of hospitalisations and deaths among the reported cases in the fourth wave compared to the third wave (hospitalisations, 10.7% (95% CI, 10.2-11.3) vs. 4.86% (95% CI, 4.52-5.23), p < 0.0001; deaths, 3.48% (95% CI, 3.18-3.81) vs. 1.15% (95% CI, 1.00-1.34), p < 0.0001). Interpretation We report reduction in proportion of hospitalisations and deaths from SARS-CoV-2 infections during the Omicron variant dominated wave in Malawi, in the context of high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and low COVID-19 vaccination coverage. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination policy in high seroprevalence settings may need to be amended from mass campaigns to targeted vaccination of reported at-risk populations. Funding Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-039481).
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendo L. Mseka
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Oscar Divala
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc Y.R. Henrion
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Deus Thindwa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Memory Mvula
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Bright Odala
- Public Health Institute of Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | - Khuzwayo C. Jere
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (formerly University of Malawi, College of Medicine) Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nicholas Feasey
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Ho
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Abena S. Amoah
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Melita Gordon
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Todd D. Swarthout
- NIHR Mucosal Pathogens Research Unit, Research Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia Crampin
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Robert S. Heyderman
- NIHR Mucosal Pathogens Research Unit, Research Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - John Phuka
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (formerly University of Malawi, College of Medicine) Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Kondwani C. Jambo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (formerly University of Malawi, College of Medicine) Blantyre, Malawi
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Konu YR, Condé S, Gbeasor-Komlanvi F, Sadio AJ, Tchankoni MK, Anani J, Bitty-Anderson A, Mirindi BR, Diallo FBT, MIjiyawa M, Dagnra AC, Ekouevi DK. SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in Togo: a national cross-sectional household survey, May-June, 2021. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2294. [PMID: 36476149 PMCID: PMC9730644 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The extent of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in African countries is still unclear. Seroprevalence studies are a common approach to epidemiological surveillance, allowing estimation of the proportion of people who have had contact with the virus. We aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors in Togo at the national level in 2021 according to age groups, gender, and place of residence (rural or urban). METHODS From 15 May to 31 June 2021, we conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional serological survey in 12 health districts (two districts per health region) in the > 5 years old population in Togo. The Wantai SARS-CoV-2 total antibody assay S protein receptor-binding domain-based ELISA (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co.; Beijing, China) was used to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies in plasma. Crude and weighted seroprevalences (weighted by age, sex and place of residence) were calculated and then weighted seroprevalences were adjusted according to sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test. Finally, logistic regression models were performed in order to describe factors associated. RESULTS Of the 7593 participants, the overall weighted and adjusted seroprevalence of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 65.5% (CI95%: 18.9-21.1). Urban dwellers, young adults (30-49 years) and vaccinated individuals were significantly more likely to be seropositive. CONCLUSION The high seroprevalence we observed is consistent with observations across West Africa. Quantification of the level of immunity in the population is needed to know how close we are to herd immunity. In the meantime, vaccination against the COVID-19 remains necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Rodion Konu
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XBordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Siaka Condé
- Togo Office, World Health Organization (WHO), Lomé, Togo
| | - Fifonsi Gbeasor-Komlanvi
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Arnold Junior Sadio
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Martin Kouame Tchankoni
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | - Joel Anani
- Togo Office, World Health Organization (WHO), Lomé, Togo
| | - Alexandra Bitty-Anderson
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XBordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France ,grid.512663.5Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Moustapha MIjiyawa
- Ministère de la Santé, de l’Hygiène Publique et de l’accès universel aux soins, Lomé, Togo
| | - Anoumou Claver Dagnra
- grid.12364.320000 0004 0647 9497Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et d’Immunologie (BIOLIM), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Bordeaux Population Health Centre, UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux, France. .,Département de Santé Publique, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo. .,Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo. .,Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo.
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