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

• Main Authors: 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
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2020-01-01
• Series: PLoS ONE
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242124

<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Objective</h4>This survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high-risk populations in Lomé.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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%.<h4>Conclusion</h4>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.