1
|
Ruf S, Harding D, Sorie S, Janneh FM, Theuring S. Post-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 serostatus in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study in a maternity hospital setting in Freetown, November/December 2022. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:102518. [PMID: 39142080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102518] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Sub-Saharan African countries has been poorly investigated, especially in the later pandemic stages. We aimed to assess the post-Omicron situation in Sierra Leone in November/December 2022 considering SARS-CoV-2 serostatus, vaccinations, and behavioral factors. METHODS In a cross-sectional study conducted in a maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, both patients and staff provided dried blood spot samples for analysis of anti-S and anti-N IgG prevalence using Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA. Additionally, we collected sociodemographic and infection-related information through questionnaires. Outcome parameters included seropositivity, infection-related seroprevalence, and self-reported vaccination status. We used logistic regression to identify associations with prior infection and with vaccination status. RESULTS Out of 791 participants (389 patients, 402 staff), 670 (84.7 %) displayed a positive SARS-CoV-2 serostatus resulting from either infection or vaccination. Among a sub-sample of 514 participants within which determination of prior natural infection was possible, 441individuals (85.8 %) were affected. Prior infection was associated with female sex and tertiary education level. Overall, 60.3 % reported having been vaccinated. Staff as opposed to patients, and individuals with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to report vaccination. Individuals who assessed their risk of COVID-19 as either higher or lower compared to a medium-level risk were more likely to have contracted the virus and less likely to have received vaccination. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that since the Omicron wave in 2022, the Sierra Leonean population has almost universally been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. While this is encouraging in the light of relatively low excess mortality in the country, future investigations on the long-term effect of high viral exposure on epidemic resilience and public health impact will be crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ruf
- Institute of International Health, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Humboldt University and Freie Universität Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Doris Harding
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Samuel Sorie
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Musa Janneh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone; Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Stefanie Theuring
- Institute of International Health, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Humboldt University and Freie Universität Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bagala I, Namuganga JF, Nayebare P, Cuu G, Katairo T, Nabende I, Gonahasa S, Nassali M, Tukwasibwe S, Dorsey G, Nankabirwa J, Kitaka SB, Kiguli S, Greenhouse B, Ssewanyana I, Kamya MR, Briggs J. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and risk factors for infection among children in Uganda: a serial cross-sectional study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.09.24308673. [PMID: 38947039 PMCID: PMC11213087 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.09.24308673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Understanding COVID-19's impact on children is vital for public health policy, yet age-specific data is scarce, especially in Uganda. This study examines SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors among Ugandan children at two timepoints, along with COVID-19-related knowledge and practices in households, including adult vaccination status. Methods Baseline surveys were conducted in 12 communities from April to May 2021 (post-Alpha wave) and follow-up surveys in 32 communities from November 2021 to March 2022 (Omicron wave). Household questionnaires and blood samples were collected to test for malaria by microscopy and for SARS-CoV-2 using a Luminex assay. Seroprevalence was estimated at both the survey and community level. Mixed-effects logistic regression models assessed the association between individual and household factors and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children, adjusting for household clustering. Results More households reported disruptions in daily life at baseline compared to follow-up, though economic impacts lingered. By the follow-up survey, 52.7% of adults had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Overall seroprevalence in children was higher at follow-up compared to baseline (71.6% versus 19.2%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence in children ranged across communities from 6-37% at baseline and 50-90% at follow-up. At baseline, children from the poorest households were more likely to be infected. Increasing age remained the only consistent risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion at both timepoints. Conclusions Results indicate that a larger number of children were infected by the Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19 compared to the Alpha wave. This study is the largest seroprevalence survey in children in Uganda, providing evidence that most children were infected with SARS-CoV-2 before the vaccine was widely available to pediatric populations. Pediatric infections were vastly underreported by case counts, highlighting the importance of seroprevalence surveys in assessing disease burden when testing and reporting rates are limited and many cases are mild or asymptomatic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bagala
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Gloria Cuu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Katairo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaiah Nabende
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Martha Nassali
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Joaniter Nankabirwa
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Kiguli
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Butabika, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gandhi S, Shaulli X, Fock J, Scheffold F, Marie R. IgG and IgM differentiation in a particle-based agglutination assay by control over antigen surface density. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:026124. [PMID: 38894961 PMCID: PMC11184967 DOI: 10.1063/5.0196224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) testing offers fast and on-site diagnostics and can be crucial against many infectious diseases and in screening. One remaining challenge in serological POC testing is the quantification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). Quantification of IgG/IgM can be important to evaluate immunity and to discriminate recent infections from past infections and primary infections from secondary infections. POC tests such as lateral flow immunoassays allow IgG and IgM differentiation; however, a remaining limitation is their incapacity to provide quantitative results. In this work, we show how samples containing IgG or IgM can be distinguished in a nanoparticle-based agglutination biosensing assay by tuning the density of antigens on the nanoparticles' surface. We employ direct STochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy to quantify the accessible SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike proteins conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles at a single-particle level and gain insight into the protein distribution provided by the conjugation procedure. Furthermore, we measure the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM induced agglutination using an optomagnetic readout principle. We show that particles with high antigen density have a relatively higher sensitivity toward IgM compared to IgG, whereas low antigen density provides a relatively higher sensitivity to IgG. The finding paves the way for its implementation for other agglutination-based serology tests, allowing for more accurate disease diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanil Gandhi
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Xhorxhina Shaulli
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 3, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Frank Scheffold
- Department of Physics, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 3, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Rodolphe Marie
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Jesus Á, Ernesto R, Massinga A, Nhacolo F, Munguambe K, Timana A, Nhacolo A, Messa A, Massora S, Escola V, Enosse S, Gunjamo R, Funzamo C, Mwenda J, Okeibunor J, Garcia‐Basteiro A, Guinovart C, Mayor A, Mandomando I. High SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Rural Southern Mozambique After Four Waves of COVID-19: Community-Based Seroepidemiological Surveys. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2024; 18:e13332. [PMID: 38838093 PMCID: PMC11150860 DOI: 10.1111/irv.13332] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mozambique was one of many African countries with limited testing capacity for SARS-CoV-2. Serosurveys, an alternative to estimate the real exposure to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics, have been scarce in Mozambique. Herein, we aimed to estimate the age-specific seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the Manhiça District, at four time points, for evaluating dynamics of exposure and the impact of vaccination. METHODS We conducted four community-based seroepidemiological surveys separated by 3 months between May 2021 and June 2022 to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. An age-stratified (0-19, 20-39, 40-59, and ≥ 60 years) sample of 4810 individuals was randomly selected from demographic surveillance database, and their blood samples were analyzed using WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 IgG + IgM ELISA. Nasopharyngeal swabs from a subsample of 2209 participants were also assessed for active infection by RT-qPCR. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence increased from 27.6% in the first survey (May 2021) to 63.6%, 91.2%, and 91.1% in the second (October 2021), third (January 2022), and fourth (May 2022) surveys, respectively. Seroprevalence in individuals < 18 years, who were not eligible for vaccination, increased from 23.1% in the first survey to 87.1% in the fourth. The prevalence of active infection was below 10.1% in all surveys. CONCLUSIONS A high seroprevalence to SARS-CoV-2 was observed in the study population, including individuals not eligible for vaccination at that time, particularly after circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant. These data are important to inform decision making on the vaccination strategies in the context of pandemic slowdown in Mozambique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Áuria de Jesus
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Rita Ernesto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | | | | | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Alcido Timana
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Arsénio Nhacolo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Augusto Messa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Sérgio Massora
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Valdemiro Escola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
| | - Sónia Enosse
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
| | - Rufino Gunjamo
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
| | - Carlos Funzamo
- Mozambique Country OfficeWorld Health OrganizationMaputoMozambique
| | - Jason M. Mwenda
- Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)World Health OrganizationBrazzavilleRepublic of Congo
| | - Joseph Okeibunor
- Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)World Health OrganizationBrazzavilleRepublic of Congo
| | - Alberto Garcia‐Basteiro
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and DevelopmentAcademic Medical CentreAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Alfredo Mayor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of MedicineUniversidade Eduardo MondlaneMaputoMozambique
| | - Inácio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM)MaputoMozambique
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS)Ministério da SaúdeMarracuene‐MaputoMozambique
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic–Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Laverdure S, Kazadi D, Kone K, Callier V, Dabitao D, Dennis D, Haidara MC, Hunsberger S, Mbaya OT, Ridzon R, Sereti I, Shaw-Saliba K. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in vaccine-naïve participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 142:106985. [PMID: 38417612 PMCID: PMC11100347 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.106985] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The InVITE study, starting in August 2021, was designed to examine the immunogenicity of different vaccine regimens in several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali. Prevaccination baseline samples were used to obtain estimates of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in the study population. METHODS Adult participants were enrolled upon receipt of their initial COVID-19 vaccine from August 2021 to June 2022. Demographic and comorbidity data were collected at the time of baseline sample collection. SARS-CoV-2 serum anti-Spike and anti-Nucleocapsid antibody levels were measured. RESULTS Samples tested included 1016, 375, 663, and 776, from DRC, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali, respectively. Only 0.8% of participants reported a prior positive SARS-CoV-2 test, while 83% and 68% had anti-Spike and anti-Nucleocapsid antibodies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 86% over the accrual period, suggesting a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Low rates of prior positive test results may be explained by asymptomatic infections, limited access to SARS-CoV-2 test kits and health care, and inadequate surveillance. These seroprevalence rates are from a convenience sample and may not be representative of the population in general, underscoring the need for timely, well-conducted surveillance as part of global pandemic preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laverdure
- Laboratory of Human Retrovirology and Immunoinformatics, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD.
| | - Donatien Kazadi
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Kadidia Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Viviane Callier
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD
| | - Djeneba Dabitao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC), University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Dehkontee Dennis
- Partnership for Research on Vaccines and Infectious Diseases in Liberia (PREVAIL), Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Mory Cherif Haidara
- Partnership of Clinical Research in Guinea (PREGUI), Centre National de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Rurale de Maferinyah, Maferinyah, Guinea
| | - Sally Hunsberger
- National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Olivier Tshiani Mbaya
- Clinical Monitoring Research Program Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD
| | - Renee Ridzon
- National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Irini Sereti
- National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Katy Shaw-Saliba
- National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wondeu ALD, Abakar MF, Frasca F, Nodjikouambaye AZ, Abdelrazakh F, Naibei N, Dzomo GRT, Djimtoibaye D, Mad‐Toingue J, Scagnolari C, Antonelli G, Linardos G, Russo C, Perno CF, Yandai FH, Atturo S, Hiscott J, Colizzi V, Cappelli G, Ngueadoum N, Haroun A, Choua O, Moussa AM. Presence of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic population of N'Djamena, Chad. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1154. [PMID: 38270301 PMCID: PMC10790679 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1154] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are an important specific defence against viral infections, as these antibodies bind to specific receptor(s) and block the viral entry. NAbs assessments are therefore useful in determining individual or herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to deepen the investigation by assessing the positivity rate of neutralizing anti-spike antibodies to understand the real protection of the studied population against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS This study involved 260 plasma samples from a larger cohort of 2,700 asymptomatic volunteer donors, enrolled between August and October 2021 in health facilities of N'Djamena. In this study four different kits and techniques including the pseudotype assay have been used and compared with detect the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), was used both the identify and measure the NAbs that to evaluate the performance of two cheaper and easy to use commercial kits, specific for the detection of receptor-binding domain antibodies (anti-RBD) against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RESULTS The VSV spike neutralization assay showed that 59.0% (n = 59) samples were positive for NAbs with titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:4800. While 23 out the 41 negative NAbs samples were detected positive using anti-RBD (Abbott) test. Furthermore, a direct and significant strong correlation was found between NAbs and anti-RBD, specifically with Abbott kit. Taken together, the Roche and Abbott methods indicated agreement at the high concentrations of antibodies with the VSV-pseudovirus method. Abbott and Roche indicated a good sensitivity, but the Abbott system test appeared to have better specificity than the Roche test. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated a high presence of NAbs against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein among asymptomatic individuals in N'Djamena. This could be one of the reasons for the low severity of Covid-19 observed in this area, given the key role of NAbs in blocking SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
- Department of Biology and Interdepartmental Centre for Comparative MedicineUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and ImmunopathologyEvangelical University of CameroonMbouo‐BandjounCameroon
| | | | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeItaly
| | - Aleyo Zita Nodjikouambaye
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
| | - Fatima Abdelrazakh
- Institut de Recherche en Elevage pour le Développement (IRED)N'DjamenaChad
| | - Nathan Naibei
- Communauté des Amis de l'Informatique pour le Développement (CAID‐Tchad)N'DjamenaChad
| | - Guy Rodrigue Takoudjou Dzomo
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
| | - Djallaye Djimtoibaye
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
| | - Joseph Mad‐Toingue
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Référence Nationale (CHU‐RN)N'DjamenaChad
- Coordination nationale de riposte sanitaire contre la Covid‐19, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeItaly
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeItaly
| | - Giulia Linardos
- Virology and Mycobacteriology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children Hospital—Healthcare and Research Institute—RomeRomeItaly
| | - Cristina Russo
- Virology and Mycobacteriology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children Hospital—Healthcare and Research Institute—RomeRomeItaly
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Virology and Mycobacteriology Unit, “Bambino Gesù” Children Hospital—Healthcare and Research Institute—RomeRomeItaly
| | - Fissou Henry Yandai
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Référence Nationale (CHU‐RN)N'DjamenaChad
| | - Sabrina Atturo
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
| | - John Hiscott
- Institute Pasteur Cenci‐Bolognetti FoundationRomeItaly
| | - Vittorio Colizzi
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
- Department of Biology and Interdepartmental Centre for Comparative MedicineUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and ImmunopathologyEvangelical University of CameroonMbouo‐BandjounCameroon
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Institute for Biological SystemsNational Research CouncilRomeItaly
| | - Nambatibe Ngueadoum
- Direction Générale des Laboratoires, Pharmacie & Médicaments, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
| | - Alsadick Haroun
- Coordination nationale de riposte sanitaire contre la Covid‐19, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
- Direction Générale des Laboratoires, Pharmacie & Médicaments, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
| | - Ouchemi Choua
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Référence Nationale (CHU‐RN)N'DjamenaChad
- Coordination nationale de riposte sanitaire contre la Covid‐19, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
| | - Ali Mahamat Moussa
- Laboratoire des Grandes Epidémies Tropicales (LAGET)Complexe Hospitalo‐Universitaire le Bon SamaritainN'DjamenaChad
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Référence Nationale (CHU‐RN)N'DjamenaChad
- Coordination nationale de riposte sanitaire contre la Covid‐19, Ministère de la Santé PubliqueN'DjamenaChad
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wariri O, Afolabi MO, Mukandavire C, Saidu Y, Balogun OD, Ndiaye S, Okpo EA, Nomhwange T, Uthman OA, Kampmann B. COVID-19 vaccination implementation in 52 African countries: trajectory and implications for future pandemic preparedness. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013073. [PMID: 38084478 PMCID: PMC10711863 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To end the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO set a goal in 2021 to fully vaccinate 70% of the global population by mid-2022. We projected the COVID-19 vaccination trajectory in 52 African countries and compared the projected to the 'actual' or 'observed' coverage as of December 2022. We also estimated the required vaccination speed needed to have attained the WHO 70% coverage target by December 2022. METHODS We obtained publicly available, country-reported daily COVID-19 vaccination data, covering the initial 9 months following the deployment of vaccines. We used a deterministic compartmental Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered-type model and fit the model to the number of COVID-19 cases and vaccination coverage in each African country using a Markov chain Monte Carlo approach within a Bayesian framework. FINDINGS Only nine of the 52 African countries (Tunisia, Cabo Verde, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Morocco, Botswana and Mauritius) were on track to achieve full COVID-19 vaccination coverage rates ranging from 72% to 97% by the end of December 2022, based on their progress after 9 months of vaccine deployment. Of the 52 countries, 26 (50%) achieved 'actual' or 'observed' vaccination coverage rates within ±10 percentage points of their projected vaccination coverage. Among the countries projected to achieve <30% by December 2022, nine of them (Chad, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Somalia, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire) achieved a higher observed coverage than the projected coverage, ranging from 12.3 percentage points in South Sudan to 35.7 percentage points above the projected coverage in Tanzania. Among the 52 countries, 83% (43 out of 52) needed to at least double their vaccination trajectory after 9 months of deployment to reach the 70% target by December 2022. CONCLUSION Our findings can guide countries in planning strategies for future global health emergencies and learning from each other, especially those that exceeded expectations and made significant progress towards the WHO's 2022 COVID-19 vaccination target despite projected poor coverage rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oghenebrume Wariri
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Muhammed Olanrewaju Afolabi
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christinah Mukandavire
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yauba Saidu
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Sidy Ndiaye
- WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | | | - Terna Nomhwange
- Immunization, WHO Country Office for Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, University of Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Beate Kampmann
- Vaccines and Immunity Theme, MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Centre for Global Health, Charité Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Benoni R, Casigliani V, Zin A, Giannini D, Ronzoni N, Di Chiara C, Chhaganlal K, Donà D, Merolle A, Dos Anjos HG, Chenene F, Tognon F, Putoto G, Giaquinto C. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors, based on HIV serostatus, in young people in Sofala province, Mozambique. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:809. [PMID: 37978353 PMCID: PMC10656907 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08808-6] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Sofala province (Mozambique), young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) are estimated at 7% among people aged 15-24 years. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic threatened HIV health services, data on the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV people are lacking. This study aimed at exploring the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated factors among young people based on their HIV status. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, including people aged 18-24 attending a visit at one of the adolescent-friendly health services in Sofala province between October and November 2022. People vaccinated against SARS-COV-2 or YPLHIV with WHO stage III-IV were excluded. A SARS-CoV-2 antibodies qualitative test and a questionnaire investigating socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were proposed. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was calculated with Clopper-Pearson method. The odds ratio (OR) of a positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was estimated through multivariable binomial logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 540 young people including 65.8% women and 16.7% YPLHIV participated in the survey.. The mean age was 20.2 years (SD 2.0). Almost all the sample (96.1%) reported adopting at least one preventive measure for COVID-19. The weighted seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the whole sample was 46.8% (95%CI 42.6-51.2) and 35.9% (95%CI 25.3-47.5) in YPLHIV. The adjusted OR of testing positive at the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies test was higher in students compared to workers (aOR:2.02[0.95CI 1.01-4.21]) and in those with symptoms (aOR:1.52[0.95CI 1.01-2.30]). There were no differences based on HIV status(aOR:0.663[95%CI 0.406-1.069]). Overall, COVID-19 symptoms were reported by 68 (28.2%) people with a positive serological SARS-CoV-2 test and by 7 (21.7%) YPLHIV (p = 0.527). No one required hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 46.8% without differences in risk of infection or clinical presentation based on HIV status. This result may be influenced by the exclusion of YPLHIV with advanced disease. The higher risk among students suggests the schools' role in spreading the virus. It's important to continue monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on YPLHIV to better understand its effect on screening and adherence to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benoni
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique.
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona, 8 - 37134, Italy.
| | - Virginia Casigliani
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Annachiara Zin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dara Giannini
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Niccolò Ronzoni
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Kajal Chhaganlal
- Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde, Universidade Católica de Moçambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ada Merolle
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM Mozambique, Beira, Mozambique
| | | | | | - Francesca Tognon
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Giovanni Putoto
- Operational Research Unit, Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ndiaye AJS, Beye M, Sow A, Lo G, Padane A, Sokhna C, Kane CT, Colson P, Fenollar F, Mboup S, Fournier PE. COVID-19 in 16 West African Countries: An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 after Four Epidemic Waves. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:861-873. [PMID: 37640294 PMCID: PMC10551082 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
West Africa faced the COVID-19 pandemic in early March 2020 and, as of March 31, 2022, had more than 900,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. During this period, SARS-CoV-2 genomes evolved genetically, resulting in the emergence of distinct lineages. This review was conducted to provide the epidemiological profile of COVID-19, the mutational profile of SARS-CoV-2, and the dynamics of its lineages in the 16 west African countries by analyzing data from 33 studies and seven situation reports. For a more complete representation of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, we used reliable public data in addition to eligible studies. As of March 31, 2022, the 16 west African countries experienced four epidemic waves with variable intensities. Higher mortality was noted during the third wave with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.9%. After these four epidemic waves, Liberia recorded the highest CFR (4.0%), whereas Benin had the lowest CFR (0.6%). Through mutational analysis, a high genetic heterogeneity of the genomes was observed, with a predominance of mutations in the spike protein. From this high mutational rate, different lineages emerged. Our analysis of the evolutionary diversity allowed us to count 205 lineages circulating in west Africa. This study has provided a good representation of the mutational profile and the prevalence of SARS CoV-2 lineages beyond the knowledge of the global epidemiology of the 16 African countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Julienne Selbé Ndiaye
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Mamadou Beye
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Aissatou Sow
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gora Lo
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Abdou Padane
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cheikh Sokhna
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Vecteurs - Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes, Campus International Institut de Recherche pour le Développement-Université Cheikh Anta Diop de l’IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Coumba Touré Kane
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Philippe Colson
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, AP-HM, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Souleymane Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- IRD, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Service de Santé des Armées, VITROME, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Manirakiza A, Malaka C, Longo JDD, Yambiyo BM, Diemer SCH, Namseneï J, Coti-Reckoundji CSG, Bouhouda M, Belizaire MRD, Roungou JB, Komas NP, Grésenguet G, Vernet G, Vernet MA, Nakoune E. Sero-prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among communities between July and August 2022 in Bangui, Central African Republic. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2315. [PMID: 37753434 PMCID: PMC10519115 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2315] [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: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Large-scale population-based seroprevalence studies of SARS-CoV-2 are essential to characterize the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to extrapolate the prevalence of presumptive immunity at the population level. Objective. The objective of our survey was to estimate the cumulative population immunity for COVID-19 and to identify individual characteristics associated with positive serostatus. Materials and Methods This was a clustered cross-sectional study conducted from July 12 to August 20, 2021, in households in the city of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. Information regarding demographic characteristics (age, gender, and place of residence), and comorbidities (chronic diseases) was collected. A venous blood sample was obtained from each participant to determine the level of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab ELISA kit. Results All up, 799 participants were surveyed. The average age was 27 years, and 45.8% of the respondents were male (sex ratio: 0.8). The overall proportion of respondents with positive serostatus was 74.1%. Participants over 20 years of age were twice as likely to have positive serostatus, with an OR of 2.2 [95% CI: (1.6, 3.1)]. Conclusions The results of this survey revealed a high cumulative level of immunity in Bangui, thus indicating a significant degree of spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the population. The public health implications of this immunity to SARS-CoV-2 such as the post-vaccination total antibody kinetics remain to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Manirakiza
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Pasteur International Network
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université of Bangui
| | | | - Jean de Dieu Longo
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université of Bangui
- Ministère de la Santé et de la Population
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Narcisse Patrice Komas
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Pasteur International Network
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université of Bangui
| | | | - Guy Vernet
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Pasteur International Network
| | | | - Emmanuel Nakoune
- Institut Pasteur of Bangui, Pasteur International Network
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université of Bangui
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bloch EM, Kyeyune D, White JL, Ddungu H, Ashokkumar S, Habtehyimer F, Baker O, Kasirye R, Patel EU, Grabowski MK, Musisi E, Moses K, Hume HA, Lubega I, Shrestha R, Motevalli M, Fernandez RE, Reynolds SJ, Redd AD, Wambongo Musana H, Dhabangi A, Ouma J, Eroju P, de Lange T, Fowler MG, Musoke P, Stramer SL, Whitby D, Zimmerman PA, McCullough J, Sachithanandham J, Pekosz A, Goodrich R, Quinn TC, Ness PM, Laeyendecker O, Tobian AAR. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among blood donors in Uganda: 2019-2022. Transfusion 2023; 63:1354-1365. [PMID: 37255467 PMCID: PMC10525030 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17449] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The true burden of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries remains poorly characterized, especially in Africa. Even prior to the availability of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, countries in Africa had lower numbers of reported COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths than other regions globally. METHODS Ugandan blood donors were evaluated between October 2019 and April 2022 for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N), spike (S), and five variants of the S protein using multiplexed electrochemiluminescence immunoassays (MesoScale Diagnostics, Rockville, MD). Seropositivity for N and S was assigned using manufacturer-provided cutoffs and trends in seroprevalence were estimated by quarter. Statistically significant associations between N and S antibody seropositivity and donor characteristics in November-December 2021 were assessed by chi-square tests. RESULTS A total of 5393 blood unit samples from donors were evaluated. N and S seropositivity increased throughout the pandemic to 82.6% in January-April 2022. Among seropositive individuals, N and S antibody levels increased ≥9-fold over the study period. In November-December 2021, seropositivity to N and S antibody was higher among repeat donors (61.3%) compared with new donors (55.1%; p = .043) and among donors from Kampala (capital city of Uganda) compared with rural regions (p = .007). Seropositivity to S antibody was significantly lower among HIV-seropositive individuals (58.8% vs. 84.9%; p = .009). CONCLUSIONS Despite previously reported low numbers of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in Uganda, high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and increasing antibody levels among blood donors indicated that the country experienced high levels of infection over the course of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jodie L White
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Swetha Ashokkumar
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Feben Habtehyimer
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Owen Baker
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Kate Grabowski
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ezra Musisi
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Khan Moses
- Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Heather A Hume
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ruchee Shrestha
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahnaz Motevalli
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Reinaldo E Fernandez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew D Redd
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Aggrey Dhabangi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ouma
- MUJHU Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Telsa de Lange
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- Viral Oncology Section, AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter A Zimmerman
- The Center for Global Health & Diseases, Pathology Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey McCullough
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jaiprasath Sachithanandham
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond Goodrich
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul M Ness
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sandie AB, Ngo Sack F, Medi Sike CI, Mendimi Nkodo J, Ngegni H, Ateba Mimfoumou HG, Lobe SA, Choualeu Noumbissi D, Tchuensou Mfoubi F, Tagnouokam Ngoupo PA, Ayong L, Njouom R, Tejiokem MC. Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adult Populations in Cameroon: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study Among Blood Donors in the Cities of Yaoundé and Douala. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:266-278. [PMID: 37129837 PMCID: PMC10152017 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a period of about 9 months, we conducted three serosurveys in the two major cities of Cameroon to determine the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies and to identify factors associated with seropositivity in each survey. We conducted three independent cross-sectional serosurveys of adult blood donors at the Central Hospital in Yaoundé (CHY), the Jamot Hospital in Yaoundé (JHY) and at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala (LHD) who consented in writing to participate. Before blood sampling, a short questionnaire was administered to participants to collect their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We included a total of 743, 1202, and 1501 participants in the first (January 25-February 15, 2021), second (May 03-28, 2021), and third (November 29-December 31, 2021) surveys, respectively. The adjusted seroprevalence increased from 66.3% (95% CrI 61.1-71.3) in the first survey to 87.2% (95% CrI 84.0-90.0) in the second survey, and 98.4% (95% CrI 96.8-99.7) in the third survey. In the first survey, study site, participant occupation, and comorbid conditions were associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity, whereas only study site remained associated in the second survey. None of the factors studied was significantly associated with seropositivity in the third survey. Together, the data suggest a rapid initial spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the study population, independent of the sociodemographic parameters assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Brunelle Sandie
- Service d’épidémiologie Et de Santé Publique, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, 451, Street 2005, Yaounde 2, P.O. Box: 1274, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- African Population and Health Research Center, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Diane Choualeu Noumbissi
- Service d’épidémiologie Et de Santé Publique, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, 451, Street 2005, Yaounde 2, P.O. Box: 1274, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Fabrice Tchuensou Mfoubi
- Service d’épidémiologie Et de Santé Publique, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, 451, Street 2005, Yaounde 2, P.O. Box: 1274, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Lawrence Ayong
- Service de Paludisme, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Service de Virologie, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Mathurin Cyrille Tejiokem
- Service d’épidémiologie Et de Santé Publique, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, 451, Street 2005, Yaounde 2, P.O. Box: 1274, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mboussou F, Farham B, Nsasiirwe S, Atagbaza A, Oyaole D, Atuhebwe PL, Alegana V, Osei-sarpong F, Bwaka A, Paluku G, Petu A, Efe-Aluta O, Kalu A, Bagayoko MM, Impouma B. COVID-19 Vaccination in the WHO African Region: Progress Made in 2022 and Factors Associated. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1010. [PMID: 37243114 PMCID: PMC10223522 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11051010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study summarizes progress made in rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations in the African region in 2022, and analyzes factors associated with vaccination coverage. Data on vaccine uptake reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa by Member States between January 2021 and December 2022, as well as publicly available health and socio-economic data, were used. A negative binomial regression was performed to analyze factors associated with vaccination coverage in 2022. As of the end of 2022, 308.1 million people had completed the primary vaccination series, representing 26.4% of the region's population, compared to 6.3% at the end of 2021. The percentage of health workers with complete primary series was 40.9%. Having carried out at least one high volume mass vaccination campaign in 2022 was associated with high vaccination coverage (β = 0.91, p < 0.0001), while higher WHO funding spent per person vaccinated in 2022 was correlated with lower vaccination coverage (β = -0.26, p < 0.03). All countries should expand efforts to integrate COVID-19 vaccinations into routine immunization and primary health care, and increase investment in vaccine demand generation during the transition period that follows the acute phase of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Mboussou
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville P.O. Box 06, Congo
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bakr S, Ezzat EM, Salem KM, Masoud M, Abdelaziz HEM. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody during COVID-19 pandemic in Fayoum District, Egypt: a community-based pilot survey. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:22. [PMID: 37521757 PMCID: PMC10386537 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.22.36513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction controlling the worldwide pandemic, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could be impossible due to the hesitancy about the available vaccines and the difficulty to implement strict restrictions. Little information is available about herd immunity in the highly vulnerable region of North East Africa, Egypt. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic in one of the highly vulnerable populations in Egypt, the Fayoum district of Fayoum Governorate. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of symptoms and other associated risk factors towards a positive COVID-19 test. Methods in this cross-sectional community-based pilot study, immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1-RBD) protein were tested during the period from February 2021 to July 2021. Results out of 155 participants, 60.6% were SARS-CoV-2 seropositive. Out of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, 76.5% and 56.2% were seropositive, respectively. Surprisingly, only one individual had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Previous history of COVID-19; such as symptoms and gender are statistically significant predictors of high seroconversion independent of age, comorbidities, and level of education. Conclusion this study which disclosed unexpectedly high SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion among the Egyptians, might provide a clear insight into COVID-19 transmission patterns and state of immunity. Further study with a larger sample size on a large scale is required to represent the whole local population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salwa Bakr
- Department of Clinical Pathology/Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Eman Mahmoud Ezzat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Karem Mohamed Salem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Masoud
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Hossam Eldin Mahmoud Abdelaziz
- Department of Clinical Pathology/Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spicuzza L, Campagna D, Di Maria C, Sciacca E, Mancuso S, Vancheri C, Sambataro G. An update on lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. AIMS Microbiol 2023; 9:375-401. [PMID: 37091823 PMCID: PMC10113162 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2023020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last three years, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of novel diagnostic tests have been developed. Assays to evaluate the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 have been widely considered as part of the control strategy. The lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), to detect both IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2, has been widely studied as a point-of-care (POC) test. Compared to laboratory tests, LFIAs are faster, cheaper and user-friendly, thus available also in areas with low economic resources. Soon after the onset of the pandemic, numerous kits for rapid antibody detection were put on the market with an emergency use authorization. However, since then, scientists have tried to better define the accuracy of these tests and their usefulness in different contexts. In fact, while during the first phase of the pandemic LFIAs for antibody detection were auxiliary to molecular tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19, successively these tests became a tool of seroprevalence surveillance to address infection control policies. When in 2021 a massive vaccination campaign was implemented worldwide, the interest in LFIA reemerged due to the need to establish the extent and the longevity of immunization in the vaccinated population and to establish priorities to guide health policies in low-income countries with limited access to vaccines. Here, we summarize the accuracy, the advantages and limits of LFIAs as POC tests for antibody detection, highlighting the efforts that have been made to improve this technology over the last few years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Spicuzza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity and HIV Viral Load Among Mozambican Pregnant Women. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:115-121. [PMID: 36287578 PMCID: PMC9819199 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003120] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prevalence estimates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa are limited, particularly among pregnant women and in those living with HIV. This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among Mozambican HIV-infected pregnant women during the first year of the pandemic, before COVID-19 vaccines were deployed in the country. SETTING The study was conducted in Manhiça district, a semirural area in southern Mozambique. METHODS A prospective cohort study including pregnant women living with HIV was conducted from November 2019 to June 2021. Women were enrolled at the first antenatal care clinic visit and followed until postpartum. HIV viral load and IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were determined in blood samples at first antenatal care clinic visit and at delivery. Associations between SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and maternal characteristics at enrolment were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 397 women were enrolled. SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies were detected in 7.1% of women at enrolment and in 8.5% of women at delivery. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 45 women (11.3%; 95% confidence interval 8.4 to 14.9%) during the study period; the first seropositive sample was identified in September 2020. Having undetectable HIV viral load was associated with seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM [odds ratio 3.35 (1.10 to 11.29); P = 0.039]. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in this cohort of Mozambican unvaccinated pregnant women was similar to reported global estimates of approximately 10% in pregnancy for 2021. The findings also suggest that pregnant women with high HIV viral load may have an impaired immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and might need to be carefully managed in case of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
18
|
Naeimi R, Sepidarkish M, Mollalo A, Parsa H, Mahjour S, Safarpour F, Almukhtar M, Mechaal A, Chemaitelly H, Sartip B, Marhoommirzabak E, Ardekani A, Hotez PJ, Gasser RB, Rostami A. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101786. [PMID: 36590788 PMCID: PMC9795163 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The higher hospitalisation rates of those aged 0-19 years (referred to herein as 'children') observed since the emergence of the immune-evasive SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and subvariants, along with the persisting vaccination disparities highlighted a need for in-depth knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 sero-epidemiology in children. Here, we conducted this systematic review to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and determinants in children worldwide. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, we searched international and preprinted scientific databases from December 1, 2019 to July 10, 2022. Pooled seroprevalences were estimated according to World Health Organization (WHO) regions (at 95% confidence intervals, CIs) using random-effects meta-analyses. Associations with SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and sources of heterogeneity were investigated using sub-group and meta-regression analyses. The protocol used in this study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022350833). FINDINGS We included 247 studies involving 757,075 children from 70 countries. Seroprevalence estimates varied from 7.3% (5.8-9.1%) in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to 37.6% (18.1-59.4%) in the fifth wave and 56.6% (52.8-60.5%) in the sixth wave. The highest seroprevalences in different pandemic waves were estimated for South-East Asia (17.9-81.8%) and African (17.2-66.1%) regions; while the lowest seroprevalence was estimated for the Western Pacific region (0.01-1.01%). Seroprevalence estimates were higher in children at older ages, in those living in underprivileged countries or regions, and in those of minority ethnic backgrounds. INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that, by the end of 2021 and before the Omicron wave, around 50-70% of children globally were still susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, clearly emphasising the need for more effective vaccines and better vaccination coverage among children and adolescents, particularly in developing countries and minority ethnic groups. FUNDING None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Naeimi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Mollalo
- Department of Public Health and Prevention Science, School of Health Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH, USA
| | - Hamid Parsa
- Department of Neurology, University of Visayas, Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City, 600 Cebu, Philippines
| | - Sanaz Mahjour
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Fatemeh Safarpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Amal Mechaal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar-Foundation-Education City, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA
| | - Behnam Sartip
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elika Marhoommirzabak
- Department of Neurology, University of Visayas, Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City, 600 Cebu, Philippines
| | - Ali Ardekani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Deutou Wondeu AL, Talom BM, Linardos G, Ngoumo BT, Bello A, Ndassi Soufo AM, Momo AC, Doll C, Tamuedjoun AT, Kiuate JR, Cappelli G, Russo C, Perno CF, Tchidjou HK, Scaramella L, Galgani A. The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2242. [PMID: 36798849 PMCID: PMC9926561 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seroprevalence studies, to estimate the proportion of people that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 are importance in African countries, where incidence is among the lowest in the world. Objective This study aimed at evaluating the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within a university setting of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study performed in December 2020 - December 2021, among students and staffs of the Evangelical University of Cameroon. COVID-19 antigen rapid detection test (RDT) was performed using Standard Q Biosensor, and one year after SARS-CoV-2 antibody-test was performed within the same population using RDT and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results 106 participants were enrolled (80% students), female sex was the most represented. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was 0.0% based on antigen RDTs. The seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 antibodies was estimated at 73.6% (95% CI. 64.5-81.0) for IgG and 1.9% (95% CI. 0.2-6.8) for IgM/IgG with RDTs, and 91.9% (95% CI. 84.7-96.4) for anti-nucleocapsid with CLIA. 95.3% (101) reported having developed at least one of the known COVID-19 symptoms (cough and headache being the most common). 90.3% (28) of people who experienced at least one of these symptoms developed IgG antibodies. 40.6% (43) of participants took natural herbs, whereas 55.7% (59) took conventional drugs. The most used herb was Zingiber officinale, while the most used drugs were antibiotics. Conclusion In this Cameroonian University community, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high, with a greater detection using advanced serological assays. This indicates a wide viral exposure, and the need to adequate control measures especially for those experiencing any related COVID-19 symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon,Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon.
| | - Beatrice Metchum Talom
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Barnes Tanetsop Ngoumo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aïchatou Bello
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aurele Marc Ndassi Soufo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aimé Cesaire Momo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Christian Doll
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon,Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany,Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alaric Talom Tamuedjoun
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Jules-Roger Kiuate
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Institute for Biological Systems, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lucia Scaramella
- Unit of Food Biotechnology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M.Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Meta Djomsi D, Lacroix A, Soumah AK, Kinganda Lusamaki E, Mesdour A, Raulino R, Esteban A, Ndong Bass I, Mba Djonzo FA, Goumou S, Ndimbo-Kimugu SP, Lempu G, Mbala Kingebeni P, Bamuleka DM, Likofata J, Muyembe Tamfum JJ, Toure A, Mpoudi Ngole E, Kouanfack C, Delaporte E, Keita AK, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Ayouba A, Peeters M. Coronaviruses Are Abundant and Genetically Diverse in West and Central African Bats, including Viruses Closely Related to Human Coronaviruses. Viruses 2023; 15:337. [PMID: 36851551 PMCID: PMC9967053 DOI: 10.3390/v15020337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats are at the origin of human coronaviruses, either directly or via an intermediate host. We tested swabs from 4597 bats (897 from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 2191 from Cameroon and 1509 from Guinea) with a broadly reactive PCR in the RdRp region. Coronaviruses were detected in 903 (19.6%) bats and in all species, with more than 25 individuals tested. The highest prevalence was observed in Eidolon helvum (239/733; 39.9%) and Rhinolophus sp. (306/899; 34.1%), followed by Hipposideros sp. (61/291; 20.9%). Frugivorous bats were predominantly infected with beta coronaviruses from the Nobecovirus subgenus (93.8%), in which at least 6 species/genus-specific subclades were observed. In contrast, insectivorous bats were infected with beta-coronaviruses from different subgenera (Nobecovirus (8.5%), Hibecovirus (32.8%), Merbecovirus (0.5%) and Sarbecovirus (57.6%)) and with a high diversity of alpha-coronaviruses. Overall, our study shows a high prevalence and genetic diversity of coronaviruses in bats and illustrates that Rhinolophus bats in Africa are infected at high levels with the Sarbecovirus subgenus, to which SARS-CoV-2 belongs. It is important to characterize in more detail the different coronavirus lineages from bats for their potential to infect human cells, their evolution and to study frequency and modes of contact between humans and bats in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dowbiss Meta Djomsi
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Réémergentes (CREMER), Yaounde P.O. Box 1857, Cameroon
| | - Audrey Lacroix
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Abdoul Karim Soumah
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry BP6629, Guinea
| | - Eddy Kinganda Lusamaki
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Asma Mesdour
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Raisa Raulino
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Esteban
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Innocent Ndong Bass
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Réémergentes (CREMER), Yaounde P.O. Box 1857, Cameroon
| | | | - Souana Goumou
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry BP6629, Guinea
| | | | - Guy Lempu
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Placide Mbala Kingebeni
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Service de Microbiologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Daniel Mukadi Bamuleka
- Service de Microbiologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jacques Likofata
- Laboratoire Provincial de Mbandaka, Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe Tamfum
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Service de Microbiologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Abdoulaye Toure
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry BP6629, Guinea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry P.O. Box 1147, Guinea
| | - Eitel Mpoudi Ngole
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Réémergentes (CREMER), Yaounde P.O. Box 1857, Cameroon
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Emergentes et Réémergentes (CREMER), Yaounde P.O. Box 1857, Cameroon
| | - Eric Delaporte
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Alpha Kabinet Keita
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Infectiologie de Guinée (CERFIG), Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry BP6629, Guinea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Techniques, Gamal Abdel Nasser University (UGANC), Conakry P.O. Box 1147, Guinea
| | - Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Service de Microbiologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa, Kinshasa P.O. Box 1197, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Ahidjo Ayouba
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Martine Peeters
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, INSERM, 34394 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bobrovitz N, Noël K, Li Z, Cao C, Deveaux G, Selemon A, Clifton DA, Yanes-Lane M, Yan T, Arora RK. SeroTracker-RoB: A decision rule-based algorithm for reproducible risk of bias assessment of seroprevalence studies. Res Synth Methods 2023; 14:414-426. [PMID: 36633513 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1620] [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: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Risk of bias (RoB) assessments are a core element of evidence synthesis but can be time consuming and subjective. We aimed to develop a decision rule-based algorithm for RoB assessment of seroprevalence studies. We developed the SeroTracker-RoB algorithm. The algorithm derives seven objective and two subjective critical appraisal items from the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence studies and implements decision rules that determine study risk of bias based on the items. Decision rules were validated using the SeroTracker seroprevalence study database, which included non-algorithmic RoB judgments from two reviewers. We quantified efficiency as the mean difference in time for the algorithmic and non-algorithmic assessments of 80 randomly selected articles, coverage as the proportion of studies where the decision rules yielded an assessment, and reliability using intraclass correlations comparing algorithmic and non-algorithmic assessments for 2070 articles. A set of decision rules with 61 branches was developed using responses to the nine critical appraisal items. The algorithmic approach was faster than non-algorithmic assessment (mean reduction 2.32 min [SD 1.09] per article), classified 100% (n = 2070) of studies, and had good reliability compared to non-algorithmic assessment (ICC 0.77, 95% CI 0.74-0.80). We built the SeroTracker-RoB Excel Tool, which embeds this algorithm for use by other researchers. The SeroTracker-RoB decision-rule based algorithm was faster than non-algorithmic assessment with complete coverage and good reliability. This algorithm enabled rapid, transparent, and reproducible RoB evaluations of seroprevalence studies and may support evidence synthesis efforts during future disease outbreaks. This decision rule-based approach could be applied to other types of prevalence studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Bobrovitz
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kim Noël
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zihan Li
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Cao
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriel Deveaux
- Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anabel Selemon
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David A Clifton
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tingting Yan
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rahul K Arora
- Centre for Health Informatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Deutou Wondeu AL, Abdelrazakh F, Abakar MF, Yandai FH, Nodjikouambaye AZ, Djimtoibaye D, Kimala P, Nadjiadjim N, Naïbeï N, Takoudjou Dzomo GR, Atturo S, Linardos G, Russo C, Perno CF, Moussa AM, Yokouide A, Tchidjou HK, Colizzi V, Choua O. High seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the capital of Chad. J Public Health Afr 2023. [DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chad has had 7,417 confirmed cases and 193 deaths, one of the lowest in Africa. Objective. This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 immunity in N’Djamena. Methods. In August-October 2021, eleven N’Djamena hospitals collected outpatient data and samples. IgG antibodies against SARSCoV- 2 nucleocapsid protein were identified using ELISA. “Bambino Gesù” Laboratory, Rome, Italy, performed external quality control with chemiluminescence assay. Results. 25-34-year-old (35.2%) made up the largest age group at 31.9 12.6 years. 56.4% were women, 1.3 women/men. The 7th district had 22.5% and the 1st 22.3%. Housewives and students dominated. Overall seroprevalence was 69.5% (95% CI: 67.7-71.3), females 68.2% (65.8-70.5) and males 71.2% (68.6-73.8). >44-year-old had 73.9% seroprevalence. Under-15s were 57.4% positive. Housewives (70.9%), civil servants (71.5%), and health workers (9.7%) had the highest antibody positivity. N’Djamena’s 9th district had 73.1% optimism and the 3rd district had 52.5%. Seroprevalences were highest at Good Samaritan Hospital (75.4%) and National General Referral Hospital (74.7%). Conclusion. Our findings indicate a high circulation of SARSCoV- 2 in N’Djamena, despite low mortality and morbidity after the first two COVID-19 pandemic waves. This high seroprevalence must be considered in Chad’s vaccine policy.
Collapse
|
23
|
Doucet MH, Songbono CT, Plazy M, Martin C, Fritzell C, Sow MS, Traoré FA, Jaspard M, Poda A, Malvy D, Marcy O, Delamou A, Orne-Gliemann J. Perceptions of COVID-19 among communities of Conakry (Guinea): a qualitative study exploring the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa therapeutic trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061715. [PMID: 36574985 PMCID: PMC9805824 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore communities' perceptions about COVID-19 in the context of the ANRS COV33 Coverage-Africa clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of treatments in preventing clinical worsening of COVID-19. DESIGN Descriptive qualitative study using semistructured in-depth individual interviews conducted by telephone in French and Soussou between May and September 2021. Data were transcribed, translated in French when applicable and analysed with the thematic analysis method. SETTING The eight neighbourhoods most affected by COVID-19 in Conakry's urban context, capital of Guinea. PARTICIPANTS 4 community leaders acting as key informants-providing insights regarding population's opinions-and six community members, who were exposed to an information session conducted as part of Coverage-Africa. RESULTS According to participants, community members have heterogeneous viewpoints about COVID-19: it exists and is dangerous; it is benign ('bad cold'); or it is fictitious (eg, government conspiracy). The fear of stigmatisation and social isolation of those sick or cured of COVID-19 was largely reported by participants, with illustrations of distressing situations for the victims. To avoid stigma, many patients seem to adopt strategies of discretion (eg, lying/hiding about the disease). Although community attitudes were reported to have evolved since the beginning of the epidemic, stigma remained a pervasive concern for many people. CONCLUSIONS Community perceptions about COVID-19 in Conakry may be partly explained by the Guinean context of Ebola history and of sociopolitical tensions. Stigmatisation of COVID+ people seems to be aimed at protecting others against contamination. However, social avoidance can greatly affect the morale of stigmatised people, especially in collectivist cultures like Guinea. Further investigating stigma, including its role on seeking COVID-19 screening and treatment services, and its consequences on mental health among affected/exposed people, would contribute to identifying improved prevention and care interventions in preparation for future health threats, and to promoting participation in health research. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04920838 (Pre-results stage).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Hélène Doucet
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Timbo Songbono
- Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Conakry, Guinea
- Africa Center of Excellence (CEA-PCMT), University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Mélanie Plazy
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Caroline Martin
- Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Conakry, Guinea
| | - Camille Fritzell
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mamadou Saliou Sow
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Donka National Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
- Infectious Diseases, University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Fodé Amara Traoré
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Donka National Hospital, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Marie Jaspard
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Emerging Infectious Disease Research, Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Armel Poda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sourô Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Denis Malvy
- Department of General Practice, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Hospital Centre Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Marcy
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexandre Delamou
- Africa Center of Excellence (CEA-PCMT), University Gamal Abdel Nasser, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Joanna Orne-Gliemann
- Team GHiGS, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), Bordeaux Population Health Research Centre, UMR 1219, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mensah BA, Ndong IC, Quashie PK, Guichet E, Abuaku B, Effah-Baafi Y, Tapela K, Asiedu K, Appiedu-Addo SNA, Obbeng LB, Amponsah JA, Kusi KA, Ofori M, Ayouba A, Courtin D, Tahar R, Delaporte E, Awandare G, Ndam NT. Population-based sero-epidemiological investigation of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21582. [PMID: 36517505 PMCID: PMC9748398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic devastated countries worldwide, and resulted in a global shutdown. Not all infections are symptomatic and hence the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community is unknown. The paper presents the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the Greater Accra Metropolis, describing the evolution of seroprevalence through time and by age group. Three repeated independent population-based surveys at 6-week intervals were conducted in from November 2020 to July 2021. The global and by age-groups weighted seroprevalences were estimated and the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity were assessed using logistic regression. The overall age-standardized SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence for both spike and nucleocapsid increased from 13.8% (95% CI 11.9, 16.1) in November 2020 to 39.6% (95% CI 34.8, 44.6) in July 2021. After controlling for gender, marital status, education level, and occupation, the older age group over 40 years had a higher odds of seropositivity than the younger age group (OR 3.0 [95% CI 1.1-8.5]) in the final survey. Pupils or students had 3.3-fold increased odds of seropositivity (OR 3.2 [95% CI 1.1-8.5]) compared to the unemployed. This study reinforces that, SARS-CoV-2 infections have been significantly higher than reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ignatius Cheng Ndong
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Peter Kojo Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emilande Guichet
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD and Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Abuaku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Effah-Baafi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kesego Tapela
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Asiedu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Louisa Baaba Obbeng
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jones Amo Amponsah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Ofori
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ahidjo Ayouba
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD and Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - David Courtin
- MERIT, IRD, Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Rachida Tahar
- MERIT, IRD, Université de Paris, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Eric Delaporte
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD and Institut National de La Santé Et de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Gordon Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Trend of expansion of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 burden in Gabon (Central Africa) in mid-2021, based on a serological survey. IJID REGIONS 2022; 5:13-17. [PMID: 36060857 PMCID: PMC9420001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There was a lower SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Gabon than had been reported for other countries. The low seroprevalence correlated with low rates of confirmed cases and deaths in Gabon. An unusually high seroprevalence was found in the rural population. The risk of infection increases with age, which should guide public-health policies.
Objective Methods Results Conclusions
Collapse
|
27
|
Baroncelli S, Galluzzo CM, Orlando S, Mphwere R, Kavalo T, Luhanga R, Amici R, Floridia M, Andreotti M, Scarcella P, Marazzi MC, Giuliano M. Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Malawian infants between February 2020 and May 2021. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS 2022; 2:100110. [PMID: 36128323 PMCID: PMC9477783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcvp.2022.100110] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Very limited information is available on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in infants in sub-Saharan countries. Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the rate and the temporal evolution of SARS CoV-2 seropositivity in breastfed Malawian infants. Study design Blood samples (n = 250) from 158 infants, born to HIV-negative women and women living with HIV, collected from February 2020 to May 2021, were first tested using an Anti-IgG/A/M SARS CoV 2 ELISA assay against trimeric spike protein, and then, if positive, confirmed using a second ELISA assay detecting IgG against Receptor Binding Domain. Results The confirmed prevalence of anti-SARS CoV-2 antibodies was 31.0% (95% CI: 23.7%-38.3%) with no significant difference between HIV-exposed and HIV-unexposed infants (29.3% and 37.1% respectively, P = 0.410). The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was not associated with maternal socioeconomic or demographic indices. Conclusions Our data underline the wide spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population in sub-Saharan Africa. Design of more specific serological tests for African samples and improvements in serosurveillance programs are needed for more rigorous monitoring of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Baroncelli
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Clementina Maria Galluzzo
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Orlando
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Mphwere
- DREAM Program, Community of S. Egidio, P.O. Box 30355, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Thom Kavalo
- DREAM Program, Community of S. Egidio, P.O. Box 30355, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Richard Luhanga
- DREAM Program, Community of S. Egidio, P.O. Box 30355, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Roberta Amici
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Floridia
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Andreotti
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Scarcella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marina Giuliano
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Katowa B, Kalonda A, Mubemba B, Matoba J, Shempela DM, Sikalima J, Kabungo B, Changula K, Chitanga S, Kasonde M, Kapona O, Kapata N, Musonda K, Monze M, Tembo J, Bates M, Zumla A, Sutcliffe CG, Kajihara M, Yamagishi J, Takada A, Sawa H, Chilengi R, Mukonka V, Muleya W, Simulundu E. Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Southern Province of Zambia: Detection and Characterization of Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron Variants of Concern. Viruses 2022; 14:1865. [PMID: 36146671 PMCID: PMC9504048 DOI: 10.3390/v14091865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) have significantly impacted the global epidemiology of the pandemic. From December 2020 to April 2022, we conducted genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Southern Province of Zambia, a region that shares international borders with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe and is a major tourist destination. Genetic analysis of 40 SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes revealed the circulation of Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (AY.116), and multiple Omicron subvariants with the BA.1 subvariant being predominant. Whereas Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants were associated with the second, third, and fourth pandemic waves, respectively, the Alpha variant was not associated with any wave in the country. Phylogenetic analysis showed evidence of local transmission and possible multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in Zambia from different European and African countries. Across the 40 genomes analysed, a total of 292 mutations were observed, including 182 missense mutations, 66 synonymous mutations, 23 deletions, 9 insertions, 1 stop codon, and 11 mutations in the non-coding region. This study stresses the need for the continued monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Zambia, particularly in strategically positioned regions such as the Southern Province which could be at increased risk of introduction of novel VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Katowa
- Macha Research Trust, Choma 20100, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Annie Kalonda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Benjamin Mubemba
- Department of Wildlife Sciences, School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe 50100, Zambia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola 50100, Zambia
| | | | | | - Jay Sikalima
- Churches Health Association of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Boniface Kabungo
- Southern Provincial Health Office, Ministry of Health, Choma 20100, Zambia
| | - Katendi Changula
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Department of Preclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek Private Bag 13301, Namibia
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Mpanga Kasonde
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Otridah Kapona
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Nathan Kapata
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Kunda Musonda
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Mwaka Monze
- Virology Laboratory, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - John Tembo
- HerpeZ Infection Research and Training, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Matthew Bates
- HerpeZ Infection Research and Training, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Masahiro Kajihara
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ayato Takada
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Division of Global Epidemiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of International Research Promotion, Hokkaido University International Institute for Zoonosis Control, N20 W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Global Virus Network, 725 W Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
- Republic of Zambia State House, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Victor Mukonka
- Zambia National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Walter Muleya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| | - Edgar Simulundu
- Macha Research Trust, Choma 20100, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
El-Ghitany EM, Farag S, Farghaly AG, Hashish MH, Hassaan MA, Omran EA. A pre-vaccine exploratory survey of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity among Egyptian general population. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:53. [PMID: 35948951 PMCID: PMC9364299 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-based studies on COVID-19 have important implications for modeling the pandemic and determining vaccination policies. Limited data are available from such surveys in Egypt. METHODS This cross-sectional was conducted throughout the period between January and June 2021, which coincided with the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt. At that time, vaccines against COVID-19 were not available to the general population. The study was carried out in eight Egyptian governorates and included 2360 participants, who were recruited through a multistage stratified cluster sample technique, based on gender, age, and district followed by a random sample within each district. Socio-demographic data were recorded and serum samples were collected and tested for SARS-Co-V2 spike (S) antibodies. RESULTS The overall adjusted prevalence of anti-S was 46.3% (95% CI 44.2-48.3%), with significant differences between governorates. Factors associated with anti-S seropositivity were: being female (p = 0.001), living in a rural area (p = 0.008), and reporting a history of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.001). Higher medians of anti-S titers were significantly associated with: extremes of age (p < 0.001), living in urban areas, having primary education (p = 0.009), and reporting a history of COVID-19 infection, especially if based on chest CT or PCR (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High seroprevalence rates indicate increased COVID-19 infection and immune response among a considerable percentage of the community. Age, gender, residence, educational level, and previous PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infections were all determinants of the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany
- Department of Tropical Health and Parasitology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue-El-Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Shehata Farag
- Department of Biostatistics, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Family and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azza Galal Farghaly
- Department of Tropical Health and Parasitology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue-El-Ibrahimia, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mona H Hashish
- Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Hassaan
- Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman A Omran
- Department of Microbiology, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Orangi S, Ojal J, Brand SP, Orlendo C, Kairu A, Aziza R, Ogero M, Agweyu A, Warimwe GM, Uyoga S, Otieno E, Ochola-Oyier LI, Agoti CN, Kasera K, Amoth P, Mwangangi M, Aman R, Ng'ang'a W, Adetifa IM, Scott JAG, Bejon P, Keeling MJ, Flasche S, Nokes DJ, Barasa E. Epidemiological impact and cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccination in Kenya. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e009430. [PMID: 35914832 PMCID: PMC9344598 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A few studies have assessed the epidemiological impact and the cost-effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in settings where most of the population had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 vaccine in Kenya from a societal perspective over a 1.5-year time frame. An age-structured transmission model assumed at least 80% of the population to have prior natural immunity when an immune escape variant was introduced. We examine the effect of slow (18 months) or rapid (6 months) vaccine roll-out with vaccine coverage of 30%, 50% or 70% of the adult (>18 years) population prioritising roll-out in those over 50-years (80% uptake in all scenarios). Cost data were obtained from primary analyses. We assumed vaccine procurement at US$7 per dose and vaccine delivery costs of US$3.90-US$6.11 per dose. The cost-effectiveness threshold was US$919.11. FINDINGS Slow roll-out at 30% coverage largely targets those over 50 years and resulted in 54% fewer deaths (8132 (7914-8373)) than no vaccination and was cost saving (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ICER=US$-1343 (US$-1345 to US$-1341) per disability-adjusted life-year, DALY averted). Increasing coverage to 50% and 70%, further reduced deaths by 12% (810 (757-872) and 5% (282 (251-317) but was not cost-effective, using Kenya's cost-effectiveness threshold (US$919.11). Rapid roll-out with 30% coverage averted 63% more deaths and was more cost-saving (ICER=US$-1607 (US$-1609 to US$-1604) per DALY averted) compared with slow roll-out at the same coverage level, but 50% and 70% coverage scenarios were not cost-effective. INTERPRETATION With prior exposure partially protecting much of the Kenyan population, vaccination of young adults may no longer be cost-effective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Orangi
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Ojal
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Samuel Pc Brand
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Cameline Orlendo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Angela Kairu
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rabia Aziza
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Morris Ogero
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - George M Warimwe
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Uyoga
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edward Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Lynette I Ochola-Oyier
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Charles N Agoti
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Patrick Amoth
- Ministry of Health, Government of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Rashid Aman
- Ministry of Health, Government of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wangari Ng'ang'a
- Presidential Policy & Strategy Unit, The Presidency, Government of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ifedayo Mo Adetifa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - J Anthony G Scott
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matt J Keeling
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Stefan Flasche
- The Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - D James Nokes
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology and Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research (SBIDER), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lewis HC, Ware H, Whelan M, Subissi L, Li Z, Ma X, Nardone A, Valenciano M, Cheng B, Noel K, Cao C, Yanes-Lane M, Herring BL, Talisuna A, Ngoy N, Balde T, Clifton D, Van Kerkhove MD, Buckeridge D, Bobrovitz N, Okeibunor J, Arora RK, Bergeri I. SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of standardised seroprevalence studies, from January 2020 to December 2021. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e008793. [PMID: 35998978 PMCID: PMC9402450 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estimating COVID-19 cumulative incidence in Africa remains problematic due to challenges in contact tracing, routine surveillance systems and laboratory testing capacities and strategies. We undertook a meta-analysis of population-based seroprevalence studies to estimate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Africa to inform evidence-based decision making on public health and social measures (PHSM) and vaccine strategy. METHODS We searched for seroprevalence studies conducted in Africa published 1 January 2020-30 December 2021 in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Europe PMC (preprints), grey literature, media releases and early results from WHO Unity studies. All studies were screened, extracted, assessed for risk of bias and evaluated for alignment with the WHO Unity seroprevalence protocol. We conducted descriptive analyses of seroprevalence and meta-analysed seroprevalence differences by demographic groups, place and time. We estimated the extent of undetected infections by comparing seroprevalence and cumulative incidence of confirmed cases reported to WHO. PROSPERO CRD42020183634. RESULTS We identified 56 full texts or early results, reporting 153 distinct seroprevalence studies in Africa. Of these, 97 (63%) were low/moderate risk of bias studies. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rose from 3.0% (95% CI 1.0% to 9.2%) in April-June 2020 to 65.1% (95% CI 56.3% to 73.0%) in July-September 2021. The ratios of seroprevalence from infection to cumulative incidence of confirmed cases was large (overall: 100:1, ranging from 18:1 to 954:1) and steady over time. Seroprevalence was highly heterogeneous both within countries-urban versus rural (lower seroprevalence for rural geographic areas), children versus adults (children aged 0-9 years had the lowest seroprevalence)-and between countries and African subregions. CONCLUSION We report high seroprevalence in Africa suggesting greater population exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and potential protection against COVID-19 severe disease than indicated by surveillance data. As seroprevalence was heterogeneous, targeted PHSM and vaccination strategies need to be tailored to local epidemiological situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Lewis
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Harriet Ware
- Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mairead Whelan
- Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Subissi
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zihan Li
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaomeng Ma
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Nardone
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Epiconcept, Paris, France
| | - Marta Valenciano
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Epiconcept, Paris, France
| | - Brianna Cheng
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kim Noel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Cao
- Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mercedes Yanes-Lane
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- COVID-19 Immunity Task Force Secreteriat, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Belinda L Herring
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Ambrose Talisuna
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Nsenga Ngoy
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Thierno Balde
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - David Clifton
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria D Van Kerkhove
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Buckeridge
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Niklas Bobrovitz
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Okeibunor
- Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Rahul K Arora
- Centre for Health Informatics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabel Bergeri
- WHO Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tso FY, Lidenge SJ, Ngowi JR, Peña PB, Clegg AA, Ngalamika O, Mwita CJ, Mwaiselage J, Wood C. Lower SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Cancer Patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154428. [PMID: 35956046 PMCID: PMC9369079 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high COVID-19 morbidity and mortality rates across the world, the reported rates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which has a higher burden of other infectious diseases and overwhelmed healthcare systems, remain relatively low. This study aims to better understand the potential factors that contribute to this phenomenon, especially among cancer patients who are considered as a high-risk group for developing severe COVID-19. METHODS Plasma samples collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from SARS-CoV-2 unvaccinated cancer and potential blood donor populations were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 (spike and nucleocapsid proteins) antibodies by an immunofluorescence assay. The relationships between SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalences and study variables were determined using a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS High seroprevalence against the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins were found among the SARS-CoV-2 unvaccinated COVID-19 pandemic populations in SSA. However, the cancer patients demonstrated a lower seroprevalence compared to potential blood donors. There was also an association between mild COVID-19 symptoms with prior tuberculosis vaccination among cancer patients. CONCLUSION Cancer patients in SSA tend to have a relatively lower SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence compared to potential blood donors recruited from the same geographic locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. More study is required to determine its cause and potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- For Yue Tso
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, and the Stanley S Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Salum J. Lidenge
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania; (S.J.L.); (J.R.N.); (C.J.M.); (J.M.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - John R. Ngowi
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania; (S.J.L.); (J.R.N.); (C.J.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Phoebe B. Peña
- Nebraska Center for Virology, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (P.B.P.); (A.A.C.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Ashley A. Clegg
- Nebraska Center for Virology, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA; (P.B.P.); (A.A.C.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Owen Ngalamika
- Dermatology and Venereology Section, University Teaching Hospitals, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia;
| | - Chacha J. Mwita
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania; (S.J.L.); (J.R.N.); (C.J.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Julius Mwaiselage
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania; (S.J.L.); (J.R.N.); (C.J.M.); (J.M.)
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Charles Wood
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, and the Stanley S Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nourmohammadi H, Dehkordi AH, Adibi A, Amin Hashemipour SM, Abdan M, Fakhri M, Abdan Z, Sarokhani D. Seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Virol 2022; 2022:9342680. [PMID: 35910542 PMCID: PMC9334089 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9342680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Determining the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in blood donors makes the control of virus circulation possible in healthy people and helps implement strategies to reduce virus transmission. The purpose of the study was to examine the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in blood donors using systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine were searched using standard keywords up to 2022-04-26. The variance of each study was calculated according to the binomial distribution. Studies were combined according to the sample size and variance. Q Cochrane test and I2 index were used to examine the heterogeneity of the studies. Data analysis was performed in STATA 14 software, and the significance level of the tests was P < 0.05. Results In the 28 papers examined with 227894 samples, the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in blood donors was 10% (95% CI: 9%, 11%), estimated 5% (95% CI: 4%, 7%) among men and 6% (95% CI: 4%, 7%) among women. This rate in different blood groups was as follows: A 12% (95% CI: 10%-14%), B 12% (95% CI: 10%-15%), AB 9% (95% CI: 7%-12%), and O 13% (95% CI: 11%-16%). The seroprevalence of COVID-19 in blood donors in North America 10%, Europe 7%, Asia 23%, South America 5%, and Africa was 4%; Moreover, the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was estimated to be 23% (95% CI: 18%-29%) and IgM 29% (95% CI: 9%-49%). Conclusion The highest prevalence of COVID-19 serum in women blood donors was among blood group O and Asia. The seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was high too.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Hasanpour Dehkordi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Amir Adibi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Abdan
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Moloud Fakhri
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Abdan
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Diana Sarokhani
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Alber D, Haidara FC, Luoma J, Adubra L, Ashorn P, Ashorn U, Badji H, Cloutman-Green E, Diallo F, Ihamuotila R, Klein N, Martell O, Onwuchekwa UU, Samaké O, Sow SO, Traore A, Wilson K, Ducker C, Fan YM. SARS-CoV-2 infection and antibody seroprevalence in routine surveillance patients, healthcare workers and general population in Kita region, Mali: an observational study 2020-2021. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060367. [PMID: 35710236 PMCID: PMC9207578 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the degree of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs) and general population in Kita region of Mali. DESIGN Routine surveillance in 12 health facilities, HCWs serosurvey in five health facilities and community serosurvey in 16 villages in or near Kita town, Mali. SETTING Kita region, western Mali; local health centres around the central (regional) referral health centre. PARTICIPANTS Patients in routine surveillance, HCWs in local health centres and community members of all ages in populations associated with study health centres. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Seropositivity of ELISA test detecting SARS-CoV-2-specific total antibodies and real-time RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS From 2392 routine surveillance samples, 68 (2.8%, 95% CI: 2.2% to 3.6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. The monthly positivity rate was 0% in June-August 2020 and gradually increased to 6% by December 2020 and 6.2% by January 2021, then declined to 5.5%, 3.3%, 3.6% and 0.8% in February, March, April and May 2021, respectively. From 397 serum samples collected from 113 HCWs, 175 (44.1%, 95% CI: 39.1% to 49.1%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The monthly seroprevalence was around 10% from September to November 2020 and increased to over 40% from December 2020 to May 2021. For community serosurvey in December 2020, overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 27.7%. The highest age-stratified seroprevalence was observed in participants aged 60-69 years (45.5%, 95% CI: 32.3% to 58.6%). The lowest was in children aged 0-9 years (14.0%, 95% CI: 7.4% to 20.6%). CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 in rural Mali is much more widespread than assumed by national testing data and particularly in the older population and frontline HCWs. The observation is contrary to the widely expressed view, based on limited data, that COVID-19 infection rates were lower in 2020-2021 in West Africa than in other settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Alber
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Juho Luoma
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Adubra
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Per Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Henry Badji
- Center for Vaccine Development-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Elaine Cloutman-Green
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rikhard Ihamuotila
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nigel Klein
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Oumar Samaké
- Center for Vaccine Development-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Samba O Sow
- Center for Vaccine Development-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Awa Traore
- Center for Vaccine Development-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kevin Wilson
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Yue-Mei Fan
- Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bwire G, Ario AR, Eyu P, Ocom F, Wamala JF, Kusi KA, Ndeketa L, Jambo KC, Wanyenze RK, Talisuna AO. The COVID-19 pandemic in the African continent. BMC Med 2022; 20:167. [PMID: 35501853 PMCID: PMC9059455 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02367-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2019, a new coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and associated disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was identified in China. This virus spread quickly and in March, 2020, it was declared a pandemic. Scientists predicted the worst scenario to occur in Africa since it was the least developed of the continents in terms of human development index, lagged behind others in achievement of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), has inadequate resources for provision of social services, and has many fragile states. In addition, there were relatively few research reporting findings on COVID-19 in Africa. On the contrary, the more developed countries reported higher disease incidences and mortality rates. However, for Africa, the earlier predictions and modelling into COVID-19 incidence and mortality did not fit into the reality. Therefore, the main objective of this forum is to bring together infectious diseases and public health experts to give an overview of COVID-19 in Africa and share their thoughts and opinions on why Africa behaved the way it did. Furthermore, the experts highlight what needs to be done to support Africa to consolidate the status quo and overcome the negative effects of COVID-19 so as to accelerate attainment of the SDGs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Bwire
- Department of Integrated Epidemiology Surveillance and Public Health Emergencies, Ministry of Health, P.O Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Patricia Eyu
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Felix Ocom
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kwadwo A. Kusi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Latif Ndeketa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani C. Jambo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rhoda K. Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ambrose O. Talisuna
- Epidemic Preparedness and Response Cluster, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ndongo FA, Guichet E, Mimbé ED, Ndié J, Pelloquin R, Varloteaux M, Esemu L, Mpoudi-Etame M, Lamare N, Edoul G, Wouambo RK, Djomsi DM, Tongo M, Tabala FN, Dongmo RK, Diallo MSK, Bouillin J, Thaurignac G, Ayouba A, Peeters M, Delaporte E, Bissek ACZK, Mpoudi-Ngolé E. Rapid Increase of Community SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence during Second Wave of COVID-19, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1233-1236. [PMID: 35470795 PMCID: PMC9155890 DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.212580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We conducted 2 independent population-based SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys in Yaoundé, Cameroon, during January 27–February 6 and April 24–May 19, 2021. Overall age-standardized SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence increased from 18.6% in the first survey to 51.3% in the second (p<0.001). This finding illustrates high community transmission during the second wave of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
37
|
Müller SA, Wood RR, Hanefeld J, El-Bcheraoui C. Seroprevalence and risk factors of COVID-19 in healthcare workers from 11 African countries: a scoping review and appraisal of existing evidence. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:505-513. [PMID: 34726740 PMCID: PMC8689910 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of serological data and risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) is especially important in African countries where human resources and health services are more constrained. We reviewed and appraised the evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence and its risk factors in HCWs in Africa to inform response and preparedness strategies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines in this scoping review. Databases including PubMed, Embase and preprint servers were searched accordingly from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to 19 April 2021. Our search yielded 12 peer-reviewed and four pre-print articles comprising data on 9223 HCWs from 11 countries in Africa. Seroprevalence varied widely and ranged from 0% to 45.1%. Seropositivity was associated with older age, lower education, working as a nurse/non-clinical HCW or in gynaecology, emergency, outpatient or surgery departments. Asymptomatic rates were high and half of the studies recommended routine testing of HCWs. This scoping review found a varying but often high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs in 11 African countries and identified certain risk factors. COVID-19 public health strategies for policy and planning should consider these risk factors and the potential for high seroprevalence among HCWs when prioritizing infection prevention and control measures and vaccine deployment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Alice Müller
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Rebekah Ruth Wood
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Johanna Hanefeld
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Charbel El-Bcheraoui
- Evidence-Based Public Health, Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, Berlin 13353, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chisale MR, Nyambalo BW, Mitambo C, Kumwenda P, Mwale SE, Mbakaya BC. Comparative characterisation of COVID-19 patients with hypertension comorbidity in Malawi: a 1:2 matched retrospective case-control study. IJID REGIONS 2022; 2:25-29. [PMID: 35721435 PMCID: PMC8606319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize COVID-19 cases and explore the risk factors associated with mortality among hypertensive patients with COVID-19 across Malawi. METHODS A retrospective case-control study design was used to provide a detailed account of cases and to explore the risk factors associated with mortality among hypertensive patients with COVID-19. In total, 441 patients were included in the study in a ratio of one case to two controls (1:2), matched by age. RESULTS Deaths due to COVID-19 varied with hypertensive condition, with more deaths registered in hypertensive patients. Clinical signs and symptoms varied greatly between hypertensive and non-hypertensive COVID-19 patients, tending to be milder in the latter group. The risk of death due to COVID-19 among hypertensive patients increased with age, and was meaningfully associated with underlining comorbidities, such as HIV, TB, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease. CONCLUSION Our study revealed predictive factors for mortality in hypertensive COVID-19 patients, which can be used by policy makers and healthcare practitioners to identify those at a higher risk, and to determine the appropriate treatment approach to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Saul E. Mwale
- Biological Sciences Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Somboro AM, Cissoko Y, Camara I, Kodio O, Tolofoudie M, Dembele E, Togo ACG, Ba DM, Sarro YDS, Baya B, Samake S, Diallo IB, Kumar A, Traore M, Kone B, Kone A, Diarra B, Dabitao DK, Wague M, Dabo G, Doumbia S, Holl JL, Murphy RL, Diallo S, Maiga AI, Maiga M, Dao S. High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali. Viruses 2022; 14:102. [PMID: 35062306 PMCID: PMC8780908 DOI: 10.3390/v14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country's weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a "herd" immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anou M. Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X5, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Yacouba Cissoko
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
| | - Issiaka Camara
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ousmane Kodio
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mohamed Tolofoudie
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Etienne Dembele
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Antieme C. G. Togo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djibril M. Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Yeya dit Sadio Sarro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bocar Baya
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Samake
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ibrahim B. Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Alisha Kumar
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Mohamed Traore
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Bourahima Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Amadou Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bassirou Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djeneba K. Dabitao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamadou Wague
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Garan Dabo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Jane L. Holl
- Department of Neurology and Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Robert L. Murphy
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Souleymane Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Almoustapha I. Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Sounkalo Dao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Western Romania, March to June 2021. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 58:medicina58010035. [PMID: 35056343 PMCID: PMC8781951 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection among a population may be assessed by the presence of serum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, which indicates previous exposure. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Samples of 2443 consecutive individuals, referred for routine laboratory investigations, were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Elecsys immunoassay that targets the nucleocapsid protein, for identifying the presence of the total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 45.60%. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was significantly higher in age group 30-49 years (53.94%) compared to age groups 50-69 years (43.53%) and 70-91 years (30.79%) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between females (44.83%) and males (47.05%). Conclusions: Our data revealed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the adult population from Western Romania and indicate the rapid and significant spread of the virus. The estimated prevalence of 45.60% was 6 times higher than the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the study area. This indicates the magnitude of virus transmission in the community.
Collapse
|
41
|
Benn CS, Salinha A, Mendes S, Cabral C, Martins C, Nielsen S, Fisker AB, Schaltz-Buchholzer F, Jørgensen CS, Aaby P. SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey among adults involved in healthcare and health research in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Public Health 2021; 203:19-22. [PMID: 35016071 PMCID: PMC8743187 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Many African countries have reported fewer COVID-19 cases than countries elsewhere. By the end of 2020, Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, had <2500 PCR-confirmed cases corresponding to 0.1% of the ∼1.8 million national population. We assessed the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in urban Guinea-Bissau to help guide the pandemic response in Guinea-Bissau. Study design Cross-sectional assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in a cohort of staff at the Bandim Health Project. Methods We measured IgG antibodies using point-of-care rapid tests among 140 staff and associates at a biometric research field station in Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, during November 2020. Results Of 140 participants, 25 (18%) were IgG-positive. Among IgG-positives, 12 (48%) reported an episode of illness since the onset of the pandemic. Twenty-five (18%) participants had been PCR-tested between May and September; 7 (28%) had been PCR-positive. Four of these seven tested IgG-negative in the present study. Five participants reported that somebody had died in their house, corresponding crudely to an annual death rate of 4.5/1000 people; no death was attributed to COVID-19. Outdoor workers had a lower prevalence of IgG-positivity. Conclusions In spite of the low official number of COVID-19 cases, our serosurvey found a high prevalence of IgG-positivity. Most IgG-positives had not been ill. The official number of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases has thus grossly underestimated the prevalence of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The observed overall mortality rate in households of Bandim Health Project employees was not higher than the official Guinean mortality rate of 9.6/1000 people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C S Benn
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Danish Institute of Advanced Science, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
| | - A Salinha
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - S Mendes
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - C Cabral
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - C Martins
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - S Nielsen
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - A B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - F Schaltz-Buchholzer
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - C S Jørgensen
- Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - P Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark; Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Oduro-Mensah D, Oduro-Mensah E, Quashie P, Awandare G, Okine L. Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa. F1000Res 2021; 10:1177. [PMID: 36605410 PMCID: PMC9763772 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74363.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one's immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa's populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro-Mensah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Quashie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, LG 581, Ghana
| | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laud Okine
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Oduro-Mensah D, Oduro-Mensah E, Quashie P, Awandare G, Okine L. Explaining the unexpected COVID-19 trends and potential impact across Africa. F1000Res 2021; 10:1177. [PMID: 36605410 PMCID: PMC9763772 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74363.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Official COVID-19 case counts and mortality rates across Africa are lower than had been anticipated. Research reports, however, indicate far higher exposure rates than the official counts in some countries. Particularly in Western and Central Africa, where mortality rates are disproportionately lower than the rest of the continent, this occurrence may be due to immune response adaptations resulting from (1) frequent exposure to certain pro-inflammatory pathogens, and (2) a prevalence of low-grade inflammation coupled with peculiar modifications to the immune response based on one's immunobiography. We suggest that the two factors lead to a situation where post infection, there is a rapid ramp-up of innate immune responses, enough to induce effective defense and protection against plethora pathogens. Alongside current efforts at procuring and distributing vaccines, we draw attention to the need for work towards appreciating the impact of the apparently widespread, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections on Africa's populations vis a vis systemic inflammation status and long-term consequences for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro-Mensah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Quashie
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, LG 581, Ghana
| | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laud Okine
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chisale MRO, Ramazanu S, Mwale SE, Kumwenda P, Chipeta M, Kaminga AC, Nkhata O, Nyambalo B, Chavura E, Mbakaya BC. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2271. [PMID: 34228851 PMCID: PMC8420234 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We estimated the seroprevalence of anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antibodies in residents of African countries and explored its associated factors. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, DOAJ and Google Scholar databases for peer reviewed articles and pre‐prints that reported anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody seroprevalence of general or specific human populations resident in Africa. The eligible studies were evaluated using Joana Briggs Institute prevalence critical appraisal tool. Twenty‐three studies involving 27,735 individuals were included in our paper. The pooled seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in Africa was 22% (95%CI: 14–31) with very high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.001). Seroprevalence was highest in studies conducted in Central Africa compared to Southern Africa, West Africa, North Africa and East Africa respectively. The number of days between the first reported coronavirus disease 2019 case in each country and when a seroprevalence study was conducted was a significant moderator of seroprevalence. Seropositivity was numerically influenced by gender and age of the participants with males and those aged below 50 years being most affected with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The highest pooled seroprevalence in Africa reported in this review should be interpreted cautiously due to high heterogeneity between studies. Continued seroprevalence surveillance is warranted to establish Africa's transition towards herd immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheena Ramazanu
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saul Eric Mwale
- Biological Sciences Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Pizga Kumwenda
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Mep Chipeta
- Nursing and Midwifery Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | | | - Obed Nkhata
- St John's Institute for Health, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | | | - Elton Chavura
- Department of Public Health, University of Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Balwani C Mbakaya
- Department of Public Health, University of Livingstonia, Mzuzu, Malawi
| |
Collapse
|