The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.

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.

Standards and regimentations of biosafety and biosecurity in medical biology laboratories in Togo, 2021

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.

Prevalence of severe adverse events in health professionals after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination in Togo, March 2021

IntroductionCovid-19 vaccines can cause adverse events (AE) that can lead to increased hesitation or fear of vaccination. This study aims at estimating the prevalence of severe adverse events (SAEs) and their associated factors among health professionals (HPs) vaccinated with COVISHIELD vaccine in Togo. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from March 13th to 19th, 2021 in Togo among HPs who received the first dose of vaccine. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and vaccination. SAEs were defined as one resulting in hospitalization, medical consultation, or inability to work the day following the administration of the vaccine. Regression analysis were performed to assess factors associated with SAEs. ResultsA total of 1,639 HP (70.2% male) with a median age [IQR] of 32 years [27-40] participated. At least one AE was reported among 71.6% (95%CI= [69.3-73.8]). The most commonly reported AEs were pain at the injection site (91.0%), asthenia (74.3%), headache (68.7%), soreness (55.0%), and fever (47.5%). An increased libido was also reported in 3.0% of HP. Among HP who experienced AEs, 18.2% were unable to go to work the day after vaccination, 10.5% consulted a medical doctor, and 1.0% were hospitalized. The SAE prevalence was 23.8% (95%CI= [21.8-25.9]). Being <30 years (aOR=5.54; p<0.001), or 30-49 years (aOR=3.62; p<0.001) and being female (aOR=1.97; p<0.001) were associated with SAEs. ConclusionDespite the occurrence of SAEs, current data collected in Togo about adverse events are reassuring with COVISHIELD vaccine and how they could be managed. Key pointsO_LIThe prevalence of severe adverse events (SAEs) after COVID-19 vaccination was high among health professionals in Togo, especially in the youths (under 30years). C_LIO_LIDespite the occurrence of SAEs, current data collected in Togo about adverse events are reassuring with COVISHIELD(TM) vaccine and provide information about how the could be managed. C_LI

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

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.

High levels of resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in newly diagnosed antiretroviral treatment-naive children in sub-Saharan Africa.

: Exposure of infants to antiretroviral drugs for prevention of mother-to-child transmission can induce resistance to nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Data from nine national surveys of pretreatment drug resistance in children newly diagnosed with HIV show high levels of resistance to NRTIs included in first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens (dual abacavir-lamivudine/emtricitabine resistance). Additional research is needed to determine the impact of NRTI resistance on treatment response and optimize infant ART.

Sociodemographic and obstetric features of the patients followed in a protocol of prevention of the mother-child transmission of the HIV1 in the Sylvanus Olympio teaching hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV decreases new HIV infections in children. The objectives of our study were to describe the sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of the patients of a protocol for the PMTCT of HIV-1 in Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study of the follow-up cohort type in the PMTCT siteof Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital. It extended from 27 June 2011 to 27 May 2015. RESULTS: A total of 255 women were included. The average age of our patients was 30 years old with extremes of 18 and 45 years old. Resellers were 38.8% and housewives accounted for 17.6%. 48.2% of our patients had completed high school. Single persons accounted for 36.1% and 54.5% were married monogamous. Sixty-four percent of the patients were HIV-positive during pregnancy and 80.7% were in WHO clinical stage I. Only 17.3% of the patients had consulted the first time in the first trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal that the majority of our patients were young, asymptomatic and were mostly screened in our maternity ward.