Open AccessPrevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk populations in Lomé (Togo) in 2020
Author(s) -
Wemboo Afiwa Halatoko,
Yao Rodion Konu,
Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi,
Arnold Junior Sadio,
Martin Kouame Tchankoni,
Koffi Segbeaya Komlanvi,
Mounérou Salou,
Améyo Monique Dorkenoo,
Issaka Maman,
Amétépé Agbobli,
Majesté Ihou Watéba,
K.S. Adjoh,
E Goeh-Akué,
Yem-bla Kao,
Innocent K Kpeto,
Paul Pana,
Rebecca Kinde-Sossou,
Agbeko Tamekloe,
Josée Nayo-Apetsianyi,
Simon-Pierre Hamadi Assane,
Mireille Prine-David,
Sossinou Marcel Awoussi,
Mohaman Awalou Djibril,
M Mijiyawa,
Anoumou Claver Dagnra,
Didier Koumavi Ekouévi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0242124
Subject(s) - medicine , pandemic , covid-19 , outbreak , serology , demography , epidemiology , virology , immunology , antibody , infectious disease (medical specialty) , sociology , disease
Background In December 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak began in China and quickly spread throughout the world and was reclassified as a pandemic in March 2020. The first case of COVID-19 was declared in Togo on March 5. Two months later, few data were available to describe the circulation of the new coronavirus in the country. Objective This survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk populations in Lomé. Materials and methods From April 23, 2020, to May 8, 2020, we recruited a sample of participants from five sectors: health care, air transport, police, road transport and informal. We collected oropharyngeal swabs for direct detection through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and blood for antibody detection by serological tests. The overall prevalence (current and past) of infection was defined by positivity for both tests. Results A total of 955 participants with a median age of 36 (IQR 32–43) were included, and 71.6% (n = 684) were men. Approximately 22.1% (n = 212) were from the air transport sector, 20.5% (n = 196) were from the police sector, and 38.7% (n = 370) were from the health sector. Seven participants (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.3–1.6%) had a positive rRT-PCR test result at the time of recruitment, and nine (0.9%, 95% CI: 0.4–1.8%) were seropositive for IgM or IgG against SARS-CoV-2. We found an overall prevalence of 1.6% (n = 15), 95% CI: 0.9–2.6%. Conclusion The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among high-risk populations in Lomé was relatively low and could be explained by the various measures taken by the Togolese government. Therefore, we recommend targeted screening.