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. 2020 Nov 9;15(11):e0242124.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242124. eCollection 2020.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk populations in Lomé (Togo) in 2020

Wemboo Afiwa Halatoko  1 , Yao Rodion Konu  2   3 , Fifonsi Adjidossi Gbeasor-Komlanvi  2   3 , Arnold Junior Sadio  2   3 , Martin Kouame Tchankoni  3 , Koffi Segbeaya Komlanvi  3 , Mounerou Salou  4   5   6 , Ameyo Monique Dorkenoo  5   7 , Issaka Maman  1 , Amétépé Agbobli  5 , Majesté Ihou Wateba  5   6 , Komi Séraphin Adjoh  5   6 , Edem Goeh-Akue  5   6 , Yem-Bla Kao  6 , Innocent Kpeto  6 , Paul Pana  6 , Rebecca Kinde-Sossou  7 , Agbeko Tamekloe  7 , Josée Nayo-Apétsianyi  7 , Simon-Pierre Hamadi Assane  7 , Mireille Prine-David  4   5 , Sossinou Marcel Awoussi  7   8 , Mohaman Djibril  5   8 , Moustafa Mijiyawa  5   7 , Anoumou Claver Dagnra  4   5   6   7 , Didier Koumavi Ekouevi  2   3   6   9
Affiliations

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among high-risk populations in Lomé (Togo) in 2020

Wemboo Afiwa Halatoko et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 based on rRT-PCR test and serological test in high risk population, Lomé (Togo).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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