1
|
Leon-Rojas JE, Arias-Erazo F, Jiménez-Arias P, Recalde-Navarrete R, Guevara A, Coloma J, Martin M, Chis Ster I, Cooper P, Romero-Sandoval N. COVID-19 IgG seropositivity and its determinants in occupational groups of varying infection risks in two Andean cities of Ecuador before mass vaccination. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0309466. [PMID: 39208200 PMCID: PMC11361580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 68.7 million infections and 1.35 million deaths in South America. There are limited data on SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and its determinants from Andean countries prior to mass vaccinations against COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To estimate SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and its determinants before vaccination in occupational groups of adults presumed to have different levels of exposure and associations with potential symptomatology. METHODS We measured seropositivity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in a cross-sectional study of vaccine-naïve adults aged 18 years and older, recruited within three occupational risk groups (defined as low [LR], moderate [MR], and high [HR]) between January and September 2021 in two Andean cities in Ecuador. Associations with risk factors were estimated using logistic regression. RESULTS In a sample of 882 adults, IgG seropositivity for the three different occupational risk groups was 39.9% (CI 95% 35.3-44.6), 74.6% (CI 95% 66.4-81.4), and 39.0% (CI 95% 34.0-44.4) for the HR, MR, and LR groups, respectively. History of an illness with loss of taste and/or smell was significantly associated with seropositivity in all occupational groups, with adjusted ORs of 14.31 (95%CI, 5.83-35.12; p<0.001), 14.34 (95%CI 3.01-68.42; p<0.001), and 8.79 (95%CI 2.69-28.72; p<0.001), for the HR, MR, and LR groups, respectively; while fever was significant for the LR group with an adjusted OR of 1.24 (95%CI, 1.11-4.57; p = 0.025) and myalgia for the HR group with an adjusted OR of 2.07 (95%CI, 1.13-3.81; p = 0.019). CONCLUSION Notable proportions of seropositivity were seen in all occupational groups between January and September 2021 prior to mass vaccination. Loss of taste and/or smell was strongly associated with presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies irrespective of presumed occupational exposure risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose E. Leon-Rojas
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología y Medicina Preventiva, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Research Network Grups de Recerca d’Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines (GRAAL), Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Fernanda Arias-Erazo
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH) ESPE, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Jiménez-Arias
- Research Network Grups de Recerca d’Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines (GRAAL), Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH) ESPE, Quito, Ecuador
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y de la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE, Sangolquí, Ecuador
| | - Ricardo Recalde-Navarrete
- Research Network Grups de Recerca d’Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines (GRAAL), Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Medical School, Universidad Tecnica de Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador
| | | | - Josefina Coloma
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| | - Miguel Martin
- Departamento de Pediatría, Obstetricia y Ginecología y Medicina Preventiva, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Research Network Grups de Recerca d’Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines (GRAAL), Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Cooper
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalia Romero-Sandoval
- Research Network Grups de Recerca d’Amèrica i Àfrica Llatines (GRAAL), Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- School of Medicine, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Walker RS, Flinn MV, Prall SP, Hamilton MJ. Remote sensing evidence for population growth of isolated indigenous societies in Amazonia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22448. [PMID: 38105308 PMCID: PMC10725865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50127-y] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolated indigenous societies who actively avoid sustained peaceful contact with the outside world are critically endangered. Last year, "Tanaru", the lone surviving man of his tribe for at least 35 years, died in Southwest Amazonia, marking the latest cultural extinction event in a long history of massacres, enslavement, and epidemics. Yet in the upper reaches of the Amazon Basin, dozens of resilient isolated tribes still manage to survive. Remote sensing is a reliable method of monitoring the population dynamics of uncontacted populations by quantifying the area cleared for gardens and villages, along with the fire detections associated with the burning of those clearings. Remote sensing also provides a method to document the number of residential structures and village fissioning. Only with these longitudinal assessments can we better evaluate the current no-contact policies by the United Nations and governments, along with the prospects for the long-term survival of isolated tribes. While the world's largest isolated indigenous metapopulation, Pano speakers in Acre, Brazil, appears to be thriving, other smaller isolated populations disconnected from metapopulations continue to be extremely vulnerable to external threats. Our applied anthropological conservation approach is to provide analyses of publicly available remote sensing datasets to help inform policies that enhance the survival and well-being of isolated cultural groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Walker
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - Mark V Flinn
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Sean P Prall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Marcus J Hamilton
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- School of Data Science, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Galappaththi EK, Perera CD, Dharmasiri IP, Ford JD, Kodithuwakku SS, Chicmana-Zapata V, Zavaleta-Cortijo C, Pickering K, van Bavel B, Hyams K, Arotoma-Rojas I, Akugre FA, Nkalubo J, Namanya DB, Mensah A, Hangula MM. Policy responses to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka and the consideration of Indigenous Peoples. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2023; 144:110-123. [PMID: 36949900 PMCID: PMC10011033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had uneven impacts on health and well-being, with Indigenous communities in the Global South facing some of the highest risks. Focusing on the experience of Sri Lanka, this study identifies key policy responses to COVID-19, documents how they evolved over two years of the pandemic, and examines if and how government responses have addressed issues pertaining to Indigenous Peoples. Drawing upon an analysis of policy documents (n = 110) and interviews with policymakers (n = 20), we characterize seven key policy responses implemented by the Sri Lankan government: i) testing for and identifying COVID-19; ii) quarantine procedures; iii) provisional clinical treatments; iv) handling other diseases during COVID-19; v) movement; vi) guidelines to be adhered to by the general public; and vii) health and vaccination. The nature of these responses changed as the pandemic progressed. There is no evidence that policy development or implementation incorporated the voices and needs of Indigenous Peoples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eranga K Galappaththi
- Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Chrishma D Perera
- Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, United States
- University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Indunil P Dharmasiri
- Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, United States
| | - James D Ford
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sarath S Kodithuwakku
- Department of Agricultural Economics & Business Management, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Victoria Chicmana-Zapata
- Unidad de Ciudadanía Intercultural y Salud Indígena (UCISI), Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carol Zavaleta-Cortijo
- Unidad de Ciudadanía Intercultural y Salud Indígena (UCISI), Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Bianca van Bavel
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Hyams
- Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ingrid Arotoma-Rojas
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jonathan Nkalubo
- Uganda National Health Research Organization & Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - Didacus Bambaiha Namanya
- Ministry of Health-Uganda National Health Research Organisation, & Uganda Martyrs, University, Uganda
| | - Adelina Mensah
- Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Martha M Hangula
- Department of Animal Production, Agribusiness and Economics, University of Namibia, Namibia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morales-Jadán D, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Bastidas V, Paredes-Espinosa MB, Freire-Paspuel B, Rivera-Olivero I, Ortiz-Prado E, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and viral loads in community-dwelling individuals from rural indigenous and mestizo communities from the Andes during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1001679. [PMID: 36844208 PMCID: PMC9949717 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1001679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neglected indigenous groups and underserved rural populations in Latin America are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to poor health infrastructure and limited access to SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. The Andean region in Ecuador includes a large number of isolated rural mestizo and indigenous communities living under poverty conditions. Objective We herein present a retrospective analysis of the surveillance SARS-CoV-2 testing in community-dwelling populations from four provinces in the Ecuadorian Andes, carried out during the first weeks after the national lockdown was lifted in June 2020. Results A total number of 1,021 people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR, resulting in an overall high infection rate of 26.2% (268/1,021, 95% CI: 23.6-29%), which was over 50% in several communities. Interestingly, community-dwelling super spreaders with viral loads over 108 copies/mL represented 7.46% (20/268, 95% CI: 4.8-11.1%) of the SARS-CoV-2 infected population. Conclusion These results support that COVID-19 community transmission in rural communities from the Andean region was happening at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador and point out the weakness of the COVID-19 control program. Community-dwelling individuals in neglected rural and indigenous communities should be considered for a successful control and surveillance program in future pandemics in low- and middle-income countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Morales-Jadán
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,“UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Alexander Paolo Vallejo-Janeta
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,“UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vanessa Bastidas
- “UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | - Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | - Tannya Lozada
- “UDLA COVID-19 Team, ” Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador,Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica,*Correspondence: Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain ✉
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ortiz-Prado E, Izquierdo-Condoy JS, Fernandez-Naranjo R, Vasconez J, Dávila Rosero MG, Revelo-Bastidas D, Herrería-Quiñonez D, Rubio-Neira M. The deadly impact of COVID-19 among children from Latin America: The case of Ecuador. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1060311. [PMID: 37152328 PMCID: PMC10160383 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1060311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a critical global health concern, with older adults being the most vulnerable group. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that COVID-19 has caused numerous deaths in children worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that infants and breastfeeding children, particularly those aged below one year, face a greater risk of hospitalization and mortality than older children with COVID-19. Objective This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 among children during the early phase of the pandemic in Ecuador. Methods We conducted a country-wide population-based analysis of the epidemiology of COVID-19, using incidence and mortality data reported from Ecuador between February 15, 2020 and May 14 2021. Measurements of frequency, central tendency, dispersion, and absolute differences were calculated for all categorical and continuous variables. Results At least 34,001 cases (23,587 confirmed cases, 5,315 probable and 5,099 suspected) and 258 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported among children in Ecuador during the first 16 months of the pandemic. The overall incidence rate was 612 cases per 100,000 children, the mortality rate was 3 per 100,000, while the case fatality rate was 0.76%. The highest risk group for infection was children and adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age; however, the highest mortality rate occurred in children under one year of age. The largest provinces, such as Pichincha, Guavas and Manabí, were the ones that reported the highest number of cases, 27%, 12.1% and 10.8%, respectively. Conclusions This study is the first to report on COVID-19 epidemics among children in Ecuador. Our findings reveal that younger children have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but a higher risk of mortality compared to older children and adolescents. Additionally, we observed significant disparities in infection rates and outcomes among children living in rural areas, those with comorbidities, and those from indigenous ethnic groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica,San José, Costa Rica
- Correspondence: Esteban Ortiz-Prado
| | - Juan S. Izquierdo-Condoy
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Raul Fernandez-Naranjo
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jorge Vasconez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Gabriela Dávila Rosero
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Doménica Revelo-Bastidas
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diva Herrería-Quiñonez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad de Las Américas, Calle de los Colimes y Avenida De los Granados, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Mario Rubio-Neira
- Department of Cardiology, Baca Ortiz Pediatric Hospital, Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ortiz-Prado E, Vásconez JE, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Morales-Jadán D, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Rivera-Olivero IA, Andrade F, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. High rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in funeral home workers in Ecuador: Is it an occupational risk for COVID-19? Front Public Health 2022; 10:1012434. [PMID: 36438256 PMCID: PMC9692081 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1012434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The COVID-19 outbreak has already caused more than 6.5 million deaths, overwhelming health systems worldwide. The unusual demand for funeral home services could make these workers a potential risk group for occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 associated with corpses management for COVID-19 patients. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study aimed to describe the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in funeral home staff by testing them with RT-qPCR in Quito, Ecuador. A total of 232 funeral home workers, representing more than 40% of funeral home personnel in Quito, were included in the study, in June 2020, immediately after the population lockdown was lifted in Ecuador. Results A total of 48 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, yielding an infection rate of 20.7%. The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was 18.1 and 20.0% among personnel managing corpses or not managing corpses, respectively. Among the SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 81.3% reported no symptoms related to COVID-19, and 3 individuals had high viral loads over 108 copies/ml. Conclusion The high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in funeral home staff suggested a potential occupational risk for COVID-19 but not related to corpses management. Public health guidelines for safe corpses management for COVID-19 victims and safe funeral services should be reinforced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Ortiz-Prado
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Jorge Eduardo Vásconez
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Diana Morales-Jadán
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Ismar A. Rivera-Olivero
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Felipe Andrade
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Tannya Lozada
- Decanato de Investigación y Vinculación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Miguel Angel Garcia-Bereguiain
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Smith-Morris C, Juaréz-López BM, Tapia A, Shahim B. Indigenous sovereignty, data sourcing, and knowledge sharing for health. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:2665-2675. [PMID: 35358022 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2058049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we consider the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) by reporting on information-gathering work across two non-governmental and Indigenous organisations to compensate where federal systems failed. Strategies IPs have employed to understand and respond to the pandemic, and described here, include: collaborative efforts across communities intra- and inter-nationally; open-source data platforms; and small-scale epidemiological research. Our review exposes the informational politics faced by Indigenous organisations and communities, and their struggle to pursue needed resources or protections while avoiding the critiques of 'post-neoliberal' and 'science denialism'. We conclude by suggesting ways that Indigenous communities improve our understanding of their needs during public health crises, and maintain both informational and medical self-governance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Smith-Morris
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dallas, USA
| | | | | | - Bheshta Shahim
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Methodist University, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Dallas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vallejo-Janeta AP, Morales-Jadan D, Paredes-Espinosa MB, Coronel B, Galvis H, Bone-Guano HR, Amador Rodriguez B, Gomez Abeledo G, Freire-Paspuel B, Ortiz-Prado E, Rivera-Olivero I, Henriquez-Trujillo AR, Lozada T, Bereguiain MAG. Sustained COVID-19 community transmission and potential super spreading events at neglected afro-ecuadorian communities assessed by massive RT-qPCR and serological testing of community dwelling population. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:933260. [PMID: 36059834 PMCID: PMC9433781 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.933260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neglected ethnic minorities from underserved rural populations in Latin America are highly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to poor health infrastructure and limited access to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. Esmeraldas is a mainly rural province of the Coastal Region of Ecuador characterized by a high presence of Afro-Ecuadorian population living under poverty conditions. Objective We herein present a retrospective analysis of the surveillance SARS-CoV-2 testing in community-dwelling population from Esmeraldas carried out by our university laboratory in collaboration with regional health authorities during the first week of October 2020, in a region where no public SARS-CoV-2 detection laboratory was available at that time. Results A total number of 1,259 people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by Reverse Transcription quantitative Polimerasa Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), resulting in an overall infection rate of 7.7% (97/1259, 95% CI: [6.32–9.35%]) for SARS-CoV-2, up to 12.1% in some communities. Interestingly, community-dwelling super spreaders with viral loads over 108 copies/ml represented 6.2% of the SARS-CoV-2-infected population. Furthermore, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG serological tests were applied to the same study group, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 11.68% (95% CI: [9.98–13.62%]) but as high as 24.47% at some communities. Conclusion These results support active COVID-19 community transmission in Esmeraldas province during the first semester of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has been shown for other rural communities in the Ecuadorian Coastal Region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Barbara Coronel
- “UDLA-COVID-19 Team”, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Heberson Galvis
- “UDLA-COVID-19 Team”, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tannya Lozada
- Decanato de Investigación y Vinculación, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sansone NMS, Boschiero MN, Ortega MM, Ribeiro IA, Peixoto AO, Mendes RT, Marson FAL. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome by SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Other Etiologic Agents Among Brazilian Indigenous Population: An Observational Study from the First Year of Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 Pandemic. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 8:100177. [PMID: 35018359 PMCID: PMC8739500 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Indigenous peoples are vulnerable to pandemics, including to the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, since it causes high mortality and specially, the loss of elderly Indigenous individuals. Methods The epidemiological data of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) by SARS-CoV-2 infection or other etiologic agents (OEA) among Brazilian Indigenous peoples during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic was obtained from a Brazilian Ministry of Health open-access database to perform an observational study. Considering only Indigenous individuals diagnosed with SARS by COVID-19, the epidemiology data were also evaluated as risk of death. The type of sample collection for virus screening, demographic profile, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, and clinical evolution were evaluated. The primary outcome was considered the death in the Brazilian Indigenous individuals and the secondary outcome, the characteristics of Brazilian Indigenous infected by SARS-CoV-2 or OEA, as the need for intensive care unit admission or the need for mechanical ventilation support. The statistical analysis was done using Logistic Regression Model. Alpha of 0.05. Findings A total of 3,122 cases of Indigenous individuals with SARS in Brazil were reported during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 1,994 were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 730/1,816 (40.2%) of them died. The death rate among individuals with SARS-CoV-2 was three-fold increased when compared to the group of individuals with OEA. Several symptoms (myalgia, loss of smell, and sore throat) and comorbidities (cardiopathy, systemic arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) were more prevalent in the COVID-19 group when compared to Indigenous individuals with OEA. Similar profile was observed considering the risk of death among the Indigenous individuals with COVID-19 who presented several symptoms (oxygen saturation <95%, dyspnea, and respiratory distress) and comorbidities (renal disorders, cardiopathy, and diabetes mellitus). The multivariate analysis was significant in differentiating between the COVID-19-positive and non-COVID-19 patients [X2(7)=65.187; P-value<0.001]. Among the patients’ features, the following contributed in relation to the diagnosis of COVID-19: age [≥43 years-old [y.o.]; OR=1.984 (95%CI=1.480-2.658)]; loss of smell [OR=2.373 (95%CI=1.461-3.854)]; presence of previous respiratory disorders [OR=0.487; 95%CI=0.287-0.824)]; and fever [OR=1.445 (95%CI=1.082-1.929)]. Also, the multivariate analysis was able to predict the risk of death [X2(9)=293.694; P-value<0.001]. Among the patients’ features, the following contributed in relation to the risk of death: male gender [OR=1.507 (95%CI=1.010-2.250)]; age [≥60 y.o.; OR=3.377 (95%CI=2.292-4.974)]; the need for ventilatory support [invasive mechanical ventilation; OR=24.050 (95%CI=12.584-45.962) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation; OR=2.249 (95%CI=1.378-3.671)]; dyspnea [OR=2.053 (95%CI=1.196-3.522)]; oxygen saturation <95% [OR=1.691 (95%CI=1.050-2.723)]; myalgia [OR=0.423 (95%CI=0.191-0.937)]; and the presence of kidney disorders [OR=3.135 (95%CI=1.144-8.539)]. Interpretation The Brazilian Indigenous peoples are in a vulnerable situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and presented an increased risk of death due to COVID-19. Several factors were associated with enhanced risk of death, as male sex, older age (≥60 y.o.), and need for ventilatory support; also, other factors might help to differentiate SARS by COVID-19 or by OEA, as older age (≥43 y.o.), loss of smell, and fever. Funding Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo; #2021/05810-7).
Collapse
Key Words
- %, Percentage
- 95%CI, 95% Confidence Interval
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease (2019)
- Ethnicity
- H1N1, H1N1 Strain of the Flu (Influenzae) virus
- HRCT, High-Resolution Computed Tomography
- ICU, Intensive Care Unit
- Indigenous
- Intensive Care Unit
- MV, Mechanical Ventilation
- NA, Not Applicable
- OEA, Other Etiologic Agents
- OR, Odds Ratio
- Pandemic
- RT-PCR, Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Race
- Respiratory Disease
- SAH, Systemic Arterial Hypertension
- SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- SARS-CoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
- SIVEP-Gripe, Information System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Influenza (Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe)
- SUS, Sistema Único de Saúde (Brazilian Public Health System)
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
- Virus
- y.o., Years Old
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathália M S Sansone
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus N Boschiero
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Manoela M Ortega
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora A Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| | - Andressa O Peixoto
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas. Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Mendes
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Center for Investigation in Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas. Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A L Marson
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Tumor Biology and Bioactive Compounds, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, São Francisco University, Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zambrano-Mila MS, Freire-Paspuel B, Orlando SA, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. SARS-CoV-2 infection in free roaming dogs from the Amazonian jungle. One Health 2022; 14:100387. [PMID: 35402682 PMCID: PMC8979833 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were several reports of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from human to animals, mostly to companion cats and dogs but also to free ranging wild species like minks and deers. Under this scenario, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in domestic animals to assess the risk of transmission between species have been suggested by the OIE. Here we present a case report of SARS-CoV-2 infection in free roaming dogs, found at a rural indigenous community from the Ecuadorian Amazonia. Oral and nasal swabs samples were collected from three dogs found during a COVID-19 surveillance intervention in Amazonian indigenous communities where severe COVID-19 outbreaks were suspected. Total RNA was extracted from dog samples and detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene targets N, ORF1ab and S was performed. The three dogs tested positive for at least two SARS-CoV-2 viral targets. Moreover, there was a high SARS-CoV-2 infection rate of 87.2% within this community. Given that 17.1% of SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals had an ultra high load greater than 108 copies/ml, transmission from humans to dogs likely occurred. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 positive free roaming dogs. Also, as those animals were found in the Amazonian forest, SARS-CoV-2 transmission to wild mammals is a potential concern. Given the high presence of free roaming dogs associated to rural and indigenous communities in South America, the potential role of these domestic animals on COVID-19 spread would deserve further surveillance studies involving SARS-CoV-2 detection by PCR and molecular epidemiology based on genome sequencing to confirm human to dog transmission.
Collapse
|
11
|
Rivera-Olivero IA, Henríquez-Trujillo AR, Kyriakidis NC, Ortiz-Prado E, Laglaguano JC, Vallejo-Janeta AP, Lozada T, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. Diagnostic Performance of Seven Commercial COVID-19 Serology Tests Available in South America. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:787987. [PMID: 35252025 PMCID: PMC8894897 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.787987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAlthough RT-qPCR remains the gold-standard for COVID-19 diagnosis, anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology-based assays have been widely used during 2020 as an alternative for individual and mass testing, and are currently used for seroprevalence studies.ObjectiveTo study the clinical performance of seven commercial serological tests for COVID-19 diagnosis available in South America.MethodsWe conducted a blind evaluation of five lateral-flow immunoassays (LFIA) and two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.ResultsWe found no statistically significant differences among ELISA kits and LFIAs for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG sensitivity (values ranging from 76.4% to 83.5%) and specificity (100% for the seven serological assays). For anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM, the five LFIAs have a significantly higher sensitivity for samples collected 15 days after the first time RT-qPCR positive test, with values ranging from 47.1% to 88.2%; moreover, the specificity varied from 85% to 100%, but the only LFIA brand with a 100% specificity had the lowest sensitivity.ConclusionThe diagnostic performance of the seven serological tests was acceptable for the seven brands tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG detection for seroprevalence screening purposes. On the other hand, our results show the lack of accuracy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM detection in LFIAs as a tool for SARS-CoV-2 acute-phase infection diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tannya Lozada
- Decanato de Investigación y Vinculación, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | | |
Collapse
|