Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Republic of Congo, February 2022.

In resource-limited countries, the lack of widespread screening masks the true situation of COVID-19. We conducted this study to assess SARS-CoV-2 spread by detection of specific antibodies and to determine associated factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects were tested for the presence of two antibodies (IgM and IgG) specific to SARS-CoV-2. Data collection was done using a smartphone with the KoboCollect application. Prevalence of antibodies was estimated with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with positive serological test. A total of 9,094 persons were tested in 4,340 households. The mean age was 30.18 ± 18.65 years, 46.5% male. The overall seroprevalence (prevalence, 95% CI) of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was (48.2% [47.2%-49.2%]). Being vaccinated, having been in contact with a COVID-19 patient, being older than 50 years, living in a union, having secondary education and having tertiary education were factors independently associated with the likelihood of having anti-sars-CoV-2. We estimate in February 2022 that 48% persons had antibodies against the COVID-19 virus, more among those vaccinated. Vaccination intensification in low prevalence departments will reduce the risk of new outbreaks.

Routine Screening for Sickle Cell Disease during Pregnancy: Epidemiological and Haemoglobin Profile in Congo.

Sickle-cell disease, a genetic condition with a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, is transmitted in an autosomal recessive mode. Its screening during pregnancy makes it possible to identify carriers of the S gene which constitute a risk for the unborn child. In order to promote the use of immuno-chromatographic tests, we have set ourselves the task of establishing the epidemiological profile and determining the Emmel test performance. Analytical cross-sectional study of three months duration carried out in the 12 departments of Congo in pregnant women, from 12 weeks of amenorrhea, Admitted for Antenatal Consultation (ANC). The studied variables were epidemiological, Emmel test and immuno-chromatographic profile of haemoglobin. 782 pregnant women screened, of which 27.88% were AS sickle cell trait and 1.79% homozygous SS. The median age of sickle cell patients was 29 years vs. 25 years (p=0.10). High education level, married status, history of transfusion and sickle cell disease, and high ANC number were more common in pregnant sickle cell patients (p<0.05).The frequency of sickle cell trait ranged from 16.67 to 31.17% and homozygous forms from 0 to 66.67% depending on the department. The sensitivity and specificity of the Emmel test were 46% and 99% with PPV and NPV of 95% and 81% respectively. Sickle cell disease carriage, which is high in both forms, is more often of interest to young, educated, married pregnant women and follow-up by health personnel other than the doctor in rural areas.

Neonatal Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Congo.

INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder due to the mutation of a gene coding for the globin beta chain. The aim of this study is to update the epidemiological data on hemoglobinoses, in particular sickle cell disease in newborns in Congo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted from October 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, throughout the Congolese national territory. It involved all full-term newborns, without distinction of nationality, aged 5 days or less, and whose parents consented to participate in the study. The blood samples, taken at the heel and collected on Whatman blotting paper, were analyzed using the HPLC Variant NBS machine. RESULTS: In 2897 newborns (NN) screened, hemoglobin abnormalities were found in 603 NN (20.81%). The mean age of these newborns was 1 day (extremes 0 and 5 days). The male-to-female ratio was 1.03. Abnormal hemoglobins were mainly Hb S (n = 597 (97.71%)); Hb C (n = 5 (0.82%)); and variants (n = 7 (1.15%)). The national prevalence of major sickle cell (MSC) syndromes and sickle cell trait was 1.35% and 19.43%, respectively. The prevalence ranged from 1.77% to 2.56% for MSS in four departments and from 20.5% to 25.8% for the sickle cell trait in six other departments. CONCLUSION: Data on homozygous sickle cell disease remain consistent with previous studies. However, further studies should clarify the molecular anomalies of the variants observed in our samples.

Diabetes and COVID-19 in Congolese patients.

BACKGROUND: The global pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is reported to be potentially severe in patients with morbid conditions. One common reported comorbidities is diabetes. We aimed in this study to precise the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a series of congolese diabetic patients affected by COVID-19 infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectely studied from 256 COVID-19 patients, a cohort of 30 persons with previously known diabetes. The glycaemia controls have been obtained by plasma glucose assay. All patients have been tested positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR method. RESULTS: The COVID-19 diabetic patients represented 11,7% of all COVID-19 patients with confidence interval of 95% [7,77-15,65]. Older individuals and male sex were predominent. Dyspnea and sauration of oxygen < 90 were significatives and added risk factors were noted in 63.3% of patients, particulary hyperglycaemia with hypertension or obesity. The mortality rate at the percentage of 36.7% was more prevalent in patients with added comorbidities (30%) versus without comorbidities (6.7%). CONCLUSION: Congolese COVID-19 diabetic patients of male sex and older age exhibiting arterial hypertension and obesity are the most exposed to severe COVID-19 and increasead mortality rate.