PLoS ONE (Jan 2020)

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

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

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242124
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 11
p. e0242124

Abstract

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BackgroundIn 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.ObjectiveThis survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk populations in Lomé.Materials and methodsFrom 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.ResultsA 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%.ConclusionThe 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.