Viruses (Jul 2024)

Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance among Prison Populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in 2022

  • Liliane Ferreira da Silva,
  • Luiz Carlos Junior Alcantara,
  • Vagner Fonseca,
  • Diego Frias,
  • Marina Castilhos Souza Umaki Zardin,
  • Gislene Garcia de Castro Lichs,
  • Ana Olivia Pascoto Esposito,
  • Joilson Xavier,
  • Hegger Fritsch,
  • Mauricio Lima,
  • Carla de Oliveira,
  • Larissa Domingues Castilho de Arruda,
  • Livia de Mello Almeida Maziero,
  • Ellen Caroline Rodrigues Barretos,
  • Paulo Eduardo Tsuha Oshiro,
  • Evellyn Fernanda Gimenes Mendes Menezes,
  • Lucélia de Freitas Cardoso,
  • Everton Ferreira Lemos,
  • José Lourenço,
  • Carlos F. C. de Albuquerque,
  • Rodrigo Fabiano do Carmo Said,
  • Alexander Rosewell,
  • Luiz Henrique Ferraz Demarchi,
  • Julio Croda,
  • Marta Giovanetti,
  • Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone Gonçalves

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071143
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 7
p. 1143

Abstract

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This study examines the epidemiological and genomic characteristics, along with the transmission dynamics, of SARS-CoV-2 within prison units I and II in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conducted between May and October 2022, it reveals how the virus spreads in the confined settings of prisons, emphasizing the roles of overcrowded cells, frequent transfers, and limited healthcare access. The research involved 1927 participants (83.93% of the total prison population) and utilized nasopharyngeal swabs and RT-qPCR testing for detection. Contact tracing monitored exposure within cells. Out of 2108 samples, 66 positive cases were identified (3.13%), mostly asymptomatic (77.27%), with the majority aged 21–29 and varying vaccination statuses. Next-generation sequencing generated 28 whole genome sequences, identifying the Omicron variant (subtypes BA.2 and BA.5) with 99% average coverage. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the relationship between immunization levels and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases within this enclosed population. The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive control strategies in prisons, including rigorous screening, isolation protocols, vaccination, epidemiological monitoring, and genomic surveillance to mitigate disease transmission and protect both the incarcerated population and the broader community.

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