RESUMO
Investment in Africa over the past year with regards to SARS-CoV-2 genotyping has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, exceeding 100,000 genomes generated to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence within their own borders, coupled with a decrease in sequencing turnaround time. Findings from this genomic surveillance underscores the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic but we observe repeated dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the continent. Sustained investment for genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, particularly in the low vaccination landscape. These investments are very crucial for preparedness and response for future pathogen outbreaks. One-Sentence SummaryExpanding Africa SARS-CoV-2 sequencing capacity in a fast evolving pandemic.
RESUMO
Legal instruments are necessary for the regulation of programs such as the biosafety and biosecurity (BSS) system in a country, yet little information is available in this sector in Togo. The study conducted aimed to take an analytical look at the normative and regulatory environment of biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo. A documentary review was carried out on the web, in the Official Journal, and on governmental sites between January and June 2021. A total of 76 documents were initially identified and then 14 were included in the synthesis. Of the 14 texts regulating the biosafety and biosecurity sector worldwide, 10 have been ratified or are being used in Togo. In total, 05 laws and 02 decrees are in force in the area of BSS in Togo on June 30, 2021. Our study has also allowed us to highlight several activities to be regulated. The approach adopted has revealed a current deficit in terms of regulations in the area of biohazard management in Togo in a multisectoral framework. It is necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory texts by taking into account the areas required internationally.
Assuntos
Humanos , Contenção de Riscos Biológicos , Biosseguridade , Padrões de Referência , Controle Social Formal , Bases de Dados de Ácidos NucleicosRESUMO
ObjectiveThis survey aims at estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in high risk populations in Lome. MethodsFrom April 23rd to May 8th 2020, we recruited a random sample of participants from five sectors: healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal. We collected oropharyngeal swab for direct detection through real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), and blood for antibodies 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. Around 22.1% (n=212) were from the air transport sector, 20.5% (n=196) in the police, and 38.7% (n=370) in the health sector. Seven participants (0.7%, 95% CI: 0.3-1.6%) had a positive rRT-PCR 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 the SARS-CoV-2 infection among high-risk populations in Lome was relatively low and could be explained by the various measures taken by the Togolese government. Therefore, we recommend targeted screening.
