The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

• Main Authors: Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu (Author), Beatrice Metchum Talom (Author), Giulia Linardos (Author), Barnes Tanetsop Ngoumo (Author), Aïchatou Bello (Author), Aurele Marc Ndassi Soufo (Author), Aimé Cesaire Momo (Author), Christian Doll (Author), Alaric Talom Tamuedjoun (Author), Jules-Roger Kiuate (Author), Giulia Cappelli (Author), Cristina Russo (Author), Carlo Federico Perno (Author), Hyppolite K. Tchidjou (Author), Lucia Scaramella (Author), Andrea Galgani (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: AOSIS, 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

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.

Item Description

2038-9922
2038-9930
10.4081/jphia.2023.2242