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

Author

Tegally, H, San, JE, Cotten, M, Moir, M, Tegomoh, B, Mboowa, G, Martin, DP, Baxter, C, Lambisia, AW, Diallo, A, Amoako, DG, Diagne, MM, Sisay, A, Zekri, A-RN, Gueye, AS, Sangare, AK, Ouedraogo, A-S, Sow, A, Musa, AO, Sesay, AK, Abias, AG, Elzagheid, A, Lagare, A, Kemi, A-S, Abar, AE, Johnson, AA, Fowotade, A, Oluwapelumi, AO, Amuri, AA, Juru, A, Kandeil, A, Mostafa, A, Rebai, A, Sayed, A, Kazeem, A, Balde, A, Christoffels, A, Trotter, AJ, Campbell, A, Keita, AK, Kone, A, Bouzid, A, Souissi, A, Agweyu, A, Naguib, A, Gutierrez, A, Nkeshimana, A, Page, AJ, Yadouleton, A, Vinze, A, Happi, AN, Chouikha, A, Iranzadeh, A, Maharaj, A, Batchi-Bouyou, AL, Ismail, A, Sylverken, AA, Goba, A, Femi, A, Sijuwola, AE, Marycelin, B, Salako, BL, Oderinde, BS, Bolajoko, B, Diarra, B, Herring, BL, Tsofa, B, Lekana-Douki, B, Mvula, B, Njanpop-Lafourcade, B-M, Marondera, BT, Khaireh, BA, Kouriba, B, Adu, B, Pool, B, McInnis, B, Brook, C, Williamson, C, Nduwimana, C, Anscombe, C, Pratt, CB, Scheepers, C, Akoua-Koffi, CG, Agoti, CN, Mapanguy, CM, Loucoubar, C, Onwuamah, CK, Ihekweazu, C, Malaka, CN, Peyrefitte, C, Grace, C, Omoruyi, CE, Rafai, CD, Morang'a, CM, Erameh, C, Lule, DB, Bridges, DJ, Mukadi-Bamuleka, D, Park, D, Rasmussen, DA, Baker, D, Nokes, DJ, Ssemwanga, D, Tshiabuila, D, Amuzu, DSY, Goedhals, D, Grant, DS, Omuoyo, DO, Maruapula, D, Wanjohi, DW, Foster-Nyarko, E, Lusamaki, EK, Simulundu, E, Ong'era, EM, Ngabana, EN, Abworo, EO, Otieno, E, Shumba, E, Barasa, E, Ahmed, EB, Ahmed, EA, Lokilo, E, Mukantwari, E, Philomena, E, Belarbi, E, Simon-Loriere, E, Anoh, EA, Manuel, E, Leendertz, F, Taweh, FM, Wasfi, F, Abdelmoula, F, Takawira, FT, Derrar, F, Ajogbasile, F, Treurnicht, F, Onikepe, F, Ntoumi, F, Muyembe, FM, Ragomzingba, FEZ, Dratibi, FA, Iyanu, F-A, Mbunsu, GK, Thilliez, G, Kay, GL, Akpede, GO, van Zyl, GU, Awandare, GA, Kpeli, GS, Schubert, G, Maphalala, GP, Ranaivoson, HC, Omunakwe, HE, Onywera, H, Abe, H, Karray, H, Nansumba, H, Triki, H, Kadjo, HAA, Elgahzaly, H, Gumbo, H, Mathieu, H, Kavunga-Membo, H, Smeti, I, Olawoye, IB, Adetifa, IMO, Odia, I, Ben Boubaker, IB, Mohammad, IA, Ssewanyana, I, Wurie, I, Konstantinus, IS, Halatoko, JWA, Ayei, J, Sonoo, J, Makangara, J-CC, Tamfum, J-JM, Heraud, J-M, Shaffer, JG, Giandhari, J, Musyoki, J, Nkurunziza, J, Uwanibe, JN, Bhiman, JN, Yasuda, J, Morais, J, Kiconco, J, Sandi, JD, Huddleston, J, Odoom, JK, Morobe, JM, Gyapong, JO, Kayiwa, JT, Okolie, JC, Xavier, JS, Gyamfi, J, Wamala, JF, Bonney, JHK, Nyandwi, J, Everatt, J, Nakaseegu, J, Ngoi, JM, Namulondo, J, Oguzie, JU, Andeko, JC, Lutwama, JJ, Mogga, JJH, O'Grady, J, Siddle, KJ, Victoir, K, Adeyemi, KT, Tumedi, KA, Carvalho, KS, Mohammed, KS, Dellagi, K, Musonda, KG, Duedu, KO, Fki-Berrajah, L, Singh, L, Kepler, LM, Biscornet, L, Martins, LDO, Chabuka, L, Olubayo, L, Ojok, LD, Deng, LL, Ochola-Oyier, L, Tyers, L, Mine, M, Ramuth, M, Mastouri, M, ElHefnawi, M, Mbanne, M, Matsheka, M, Kebabonye, M, Diop, M, Momoh, M, Lima Mendonca, MDL, Venter, M, Paye, MF, Faye, M, Nyaga, MM, Mareka, M, Damaris, M-M, Mburu, MW, Mpina, MG, Owusu, M, Wiley, MR, Tatfeng, MY, Ayekaba, MO, Abouelhoda, M, Beloufa, MA, Seadawy, MG, Khalifa, MK, Matobo, MM, Kane, M, Salou, M, Mbulawa, MB, Mwenda, M, Allam, M, Phan, MVT, Abid, N, Rujeni, N, Abuzaid, N, Ismael, N, Elguindy, N, Top, NM, Dia, N, Mabunda, N, Hsiao, N-Y, Silochi, NB, Francisco, NM, Saasa, N, Bbosa, N, Murunga, N, Gumede, N, Wolter, N, Sitharam, N, Ndodo, N, Ajayi, NA, Tordo, N, Mbhele, N, Razanajatovo, NH, Iguosadolo, N, Mba, N, Kingsley, OC, Sylvanus, O, Femi, O, Adewumi, OM, Testimony, O, Ogunsanya, OA, Fakayode, O, Ogah, OE, Oludayo, O-E, Faye, O, Smith-Lawrence, P, Ondoa, P, Combe, P, Nabisubi, P, Semanda, P, Oluniyi, PE, Arnaldo, P, Quashie, PK, Okokhere, PO, Bejon, P, Dussart, P, Bester, PA, Mbala, PK, Kaleebu, P, Abechi, P, El-Shesheny, R, Joseph, R, Aziz, RK, Essomba, RG, Ayivor-Djanie, R, Njouom, R, Phillips, RO, Gorman, R, Kingsley, RA, Neto Rodrigues, RMDESA, Audu, RA, Carr, RAA, Gargouri, S, Masmoudi, S, Bootsma, S, Sankhe, S, Mohamed, SI, Femi, S, Mhalla, S, Hosch, S, Kassim, SK, Metha, S, Trabelsi, S, Agwa, SH, Mwangi, SW, Doumbia, S, Makiala-Mandanda, S, Aryeetey, S, Ahmed, SS, Ahmed, SM, Elhamoumi, S, Moyo, S, Lutucuta, S, Gaseitsiwe, S, Jalloh, S, Andriamandimby, SF, Oguntope, S, Grayo, S, Lekana-Douki, S, Prosolek, S, Ouangraoua, S, van Wyk, S, Schaffner, SF, Kanyerezi, S, Ahuka-Mundeke, S, Rudder, S, Pillay, S, Nabadda, S, Behillil, S, Budiaki, SL, van der Werf, S, Mashe, T, Mohale, T, Le-Viet, T, Velavan, TP, Schindler, T, Maponga, TG, Bedford, T, Anyaneji, UJ, Chinedu, U, Ramphal, U, George, UE, Enouf, V, Nene, V, Gorova, V, Roshdy, WH, Karim, WA, Ampofo, WK, Preiser, W, Choga, WT, Ahmed, YA, Ramphal, Y, Bediako, Y, Naidoo, Y, Butera, Y, de Laurent, ZR, Ouma, AEO, von Gottberg, A, Githinji, G, Moeti, M, Tomori, O, Sabeti, PC, Sall, AA, Oyola, SO, Tebeje, YK, Tessema, SK, de Oliveira, T, Happi, C, Lessells, R, Nkengasong, J, Wilkinson, E, Tegally, H, San, JE, Cotten, M, Moir, M, Tegomoh, B, Mboowa, G, Martin, DP, Baxter, C, Lambisia, AW, Diallo, A, Amoako, DG, Diagne, MM, Sisay, A, Zekri, A-RN, Gueye, AS, Sangare, AK, Ouedraogo, A-S, Sow, A, Musa, AO, Sesay, AK, Abias, AG, Elzagheid, A, Lagare, A, Kemi, A-S, Abar, AE, Johnson, AA, Fowotade, A, Oluwapelumi, AO, Amuri, AA, Juru, A, Kandeil, A, Mostafa, A, Rebai, A, Sayed, A, Kazeem, A, Balde, A, Christoffels, A, Trotter, AJ, Campbell, A, Keita, AK, Kone, A, Bouzid, A, Souissi, A, Agweyu, A, Naguib, A, Gutierrez, A, Nkeshimana, A, Page, AJ, Yadouleton, A, Vinze, A, Happi, AN, Chouikha, A, Iranzadeh, A, Maharaj, A, Batchi-Bouyou, AL, Ismail, A, Sylverken, AA, Goba, A, Femi, A, Sijuwola, AE, Marycelin, B, Salako, BL, Oderinde, BS, Bolajoko, B, Diarra, B, Herring, BL, Tsofa, B, Lekana-Douki, B, Mvula, B, Njanpop-Lafourcade, B-M, Marondera, BT, Khaireh, BA, Kouriba, B, Adu, B, Pool, B, McInnis, B, Brook, C, Williamson, C, Nduwimana, C, Anscombe, C, Pratt, CB, Scheepers, C, Akoua-Koffi, CG, Agoti, CN, Mapanguy, CM, Loucoubar, C, Onwuamah, CK, Ihekweazu, C, Malaka, CN, Peyrefitte, C, Grace, C, Omoruyi, CE, Rafai, CD, Morang'a, CM, Erameh, C, Lule, DB, Bridges, DJ, Mukadi-Bamuleka, D, Park, D, Rasmussen, DA, Baker, D, Nokes, DJ, Ssemwanga, D, Tshiabuila, D, Amuzu, DSY, Goedhals, D, Grant, DS, Omuoyo, DO, Maruapula, D, Wanjohi, DW, Foster-Nyarko, E, Lusamaki, EK, Simulundu, E, Ong'era, EM, Ngabana, EN, Abworo, EO, Otieno, E, Shumba, E, Barasa, E, Ahmed, EB, Ahmed, EA, Lokilo, E, Mukantwari, E, Philomena, E, Belarbi, E, Simon-Loriere, E, Anoh, EA, Manuel, E, Leendertz, F, Taweh, FM, Wasfi, F, Abdelmoula, F, Takawira, FT, Derrar, F, Ajogbasile, F, Treurnicht, F, Onikepe, F, Ntoumi, F, Muyembe, FM, Ragomzingba, FEZ, Dratibi, FA, Iyanu, F-A, Mbunsu, GK, Thilliez, G, Kay, GL, Akpede, GO, van Zyl, GU, Awandare, GA, Kpeli, GS, Schubert, G, Maphalala, GP, Ranaivoson, HC, Omunakwe, HE, Onywera, H, Abe, H, Karray, H, Nansumba, H, Triki, H, Kadjo, HAA, Elgahzaly, H, Gumbo, H, Mathieu, H, Kavunga-Membo, H, Smeti, I, Olawoye, IB, Adetifa, IMO, Odia, I, Ben Boubaker, IB, Mohammad, IA, Ssewanyana, I, Wurie, I, Konstantinus, IS, Halatoko, JWA, Ayei, J, Sonoo, J, Makangara, J-CC, Tamfum, J-JM, Heraud, J-M, Shaffer, JG, Giandhari, J, Musyoki, J, Nkurunziza, J, Uwanibe, JN, Bhiman, JN, Yasuda, J, Morais, J, Kiconco, J, Sandi, JD, Huddleston, J, Odoom, JK, Morobe, JM, Gyapong, JO, Kayiwa, JT, Okolie, JC, Xavier, JS, Gyamfi, J, Wamala, JF, Bonney, JHK, Nyandwi, J, Everatt, J, Nakaseegu, J, Ngoi, JM, Namulondo, J, Oguzie, JU, Andeko, JC, Lutwama, JJ, Mogga, JJH, O'Grady, J, Siddle, KJ, Victoir, K, Adeyemi, KT, Tumedi, KA, Carvalho, KS, Mohammed, KS, Dellagi, K, Musonda, KG, Duedu, KO, Fki-Berrajah, L, Singh, L, Kepler, LM, Biscornet, L, Martins, LDO, Chabuka, L, Olubayo, L, Ojok, LD, Deng, LL, Ochola-Oyier, L, Tyers, L, Mine, M, Ramuth, M, Mastouri, M, ElHefnawi, M, Mbanne, M, Matsheka, M, Kebabonye, M, Diop, M, Momoh, M, Lima Mendonca, MDL, Venter, M, Paye, MF, Faye, M, Nyaga, MM, Mareka, M, Damaris, M-M, Mburu, MW, Mpina, MG, Owusu, M, Wiley, MR, Tatfeng, MY, Ayekaba, MO, Abouelhoda, M, Beloufa, MA, Seadawy, MG, Khalifa, MK, Matobo, MM, Kane, M, Salou, M, Mbulawa, MB, Mwenda, M, Allam, M, Phan, MVT, Abid, N, Rujeni, N, Abuzaid, N, Ismael, N, Elguindy, N, Top, NM, Dia, N, Mabunda, N, Hsiao, N-Y, Silochi, NB, Francisco, NM, Saasa, N, Bbosa, N, Murunga, N, Gumede, N, Wolter, N, Sitharam, N, Ndodo, N, Ajayi, NA, Tordo, N, Mbhele, N, Razanajatovo, NH, Iguosadolo, N, Mba, N, Kingsley, OC, Sylvanus, O, Femi, O, Adewumi, OM, Testimony, O, Ogunsanya, OA, Fakayode, O, Ogah, OE, Oludayo, O-E, Faye, O, Smith-Lawrence, P, Ondoa, P, Combe, P, Nabisubi, P, Semanda, P, Oluniyi, PE, Arnaldo, P, Quashie, PK, Okokhere, PO, Bejon, P, Dussart, P, Bester, PA, Mbala, PK, Kaleebu, P, Abechi, P, El-Shesheny, R, Joseph, R, Aziz, RK, Essomba, RG, Ayivor-Djanie, R, Njouom, R, Phillips, RO, Gorman, R, Kingsley, RA, Neto Rodrigues, RMDESA, Audu, RA, Carr, RAA, Gargouri, S, Masmoudi, S, Bootsma, S, Sankhe, S, Mohamed, SI, Femi, S, Mhalla, S, Hosch, S, Kassim, SK, Metha, S, Trabelsi, S, Agwa, SH, Mwangi, SW, Doumbia, S, Makiala-Mandanda, S, Aryeetey, S, Ahmed, SS, Ahmed, SM, Elhamoumi, S, Moyo, S, Lutucuta, S, Gaseitsiwe, S, Jalloh, S, Andriamandimby, SF, Oguntope, S, Grayo, S, Lekana-Douki, S, Prosolek, S, Ouangraoua, S, van Wyk, S, Schaffner, SF, Kanyerezi, S, Ahuka-Mundeke, S, Rudder, S, Pillay, S, Nabadda, S, Behillil, S, Budiaki, SL, van der Werf, S, Mashe, T, Mohale, T, Le-Viet, T, Velavan, TP, Schindler, T, Maponga, TG, Bedford, T, Anyaneji, UJ, Chinedu, U, Ramphal, U, George, UE, Enouf, V, Nene, V, Gorova, V, Roshdy, WH, Karim, WA, Ampofo, WK, Preiser, W, Choga, WT, Ahmed, YA, Ramphal, Y, Bediako, Y, Naidoo, Y, Butera, Y, de Laurent, ZR, Ouma, AEO, von Gottberg, A, Githinji, G, Moeti, M, Tomori, O, Sabeti, PC, Sall, AA, Oyola, SO, Tebeje, YK, Tessema, SK, de Oliveira, T, Happi, C, Lessells, R, Nkengasong, J, and Wilkinson, E

Abstract

Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve while the continent faces many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

Published
2022

2. High immunity and low mortality after Omicron and mass event in Cameroon despite low vaccination.

Author

Boum Y, Matchim L, Guimsop DK, Buri BD, Bebell LM, Jaudel YSF, Njuwa FKG, Danirla DB, Youm E, Ntone R, Tchame CR, Tchiasso D, Essaka R, Eyong JB, Ngosso A, Nanda H, Fondze NR, Ndifon MN, Eteki L, Ghislain YFC, Messi BYE, Moustapha H, Hamdja M, Essomba RG, Mandeng N, Modeste TAK, Bisseck AZ, Eyangoh SI, Njouom R, Okomo MC, Esso L, Emilienne E, and Mballa GE

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity in African communities., Aim: We evaluated changes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, mortality and vaccination status in Cameroon between August 2021 and September 2022 to begin describing the evolution of the pandemic in Africa., Setting: The study was conducted across Cameroon's 10 regional capitals, between 2021 and 2022 as the country hosted a mass gathering., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey in 2022, including SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence testing and retrospective mortality estimation using two-stage cluster sampling. We estimated and compared seroprevalence and crude mortality rates (CMR) to a survey conducted in 2021 using the same methodology., Results: We performed serologic testing on 8400 individuals and collected mortality data from 22 314 individuals. Approximately 5% in each survey reported SARS-CoV-2-vaccination. Rapid diagnostic test-based seroprevalence increased from 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10-12.5) to 59.8% (95% CI: 58.3-61.2) between 2021 and 2022, despite no increase in the proportion vaccinated. The CMR decreased from 0.17 to 0.06 deaths per 10 000 persons per day between 2021 and 2022. In 2022, no deaths were reportedly attributable to COVID-19 as compared to 17 deaths in 2021., Conclusion: Over a 12-month period encompassing two waves of omicron variant SARS-CoV-2 and a mass gathering, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in Cameroon approached 60%, and deaths declined despite low vaccination coverage., Contribution: This study challenges the assumption that high immunisation coverage is the sole determinant of epidemic control in the African context and encourages policymakers to increasingly rely on local research when designing response strategies for more effective outbreak management., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2024. The Authors.)

Published
2024
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3. Effect of hepatitis B vaccination on HBV-infection among school children in Yaounde; ten years after the introduction of HBV vaccine into routine Immunization Program in Cameroon.

Author

Nguwoh PS, Ngounouh CT, Essomba RG, Olinga PZ, Likeng JLN, Nguepidjo G, Douyong SCT, Tchoffo D, Nlend AEN, Assoumou MCO, and Fokam J

Subjects
Humans, Cameroon epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Child, Male, Female, Adolescent, Vaccination Coverage statistics & numerical data, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Biomarkers blood, Hepatitis B e Antigens blood, Hepatitis B e Antigens immunology, Child, Preschool, Schools, Hepatitis B Vaccines administration & dosage, Hepatitis B Vaccines immunology, Hepatitis B prevention & control, Hepatitis B epidemiology, Immunization Programs, Hepatitis B Antibodies blood, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens blood, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens immunology, Vaccination statistics & numerical data
Abstract

Introduction: since the introduction of the anti-HBV vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2005 in Cameroon, vaccination coverage has reached 99.0%. This coverage would indicate an increase in the number of children immune to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and a decrease in susceptibility to HBV-infection. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the HBV vaccine on pediatric HBV-infection in Yaounde, Cameroon., Methods: this school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2016 among 180 children from Nkomo public school. The study population was stratified into two groups: vaccinated (n=95) versus (vs) unvaccinated (n=85). Screening for HBV biomarkers was done using a rapid panel test for detection (HBsAg, HBeAg and anti-HBc) and anti-HBs titer using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were done using SPSS v. 22 with p < 0.05 considered significant., Results: the mean age was 9.65 years. HBsAg (p=0.019) and anti-HBc (p=0.001) rates were detected in children aged ≥10 years and children aged < 10 years (95.95% [71/74]) were vaccinated vs 22.64% (24/106) for those aged ≥10 years (OR: 80.86; 95% CI: 23.36%-279.87%, p < 0.0001). According to anti-HBV vaccination status, HBsAg rate varied from [9.41% (8/85) to 1.05% (1/95), p=0.025], HBeAg rate varied from [2.35% (2/85) to 0% (0/95), p= 0.42] and anti-HBc rate ranged from [12.94% (11/85) to 2.10% (2/95), p= 0.011]., Conclusion: despite the variability of the anti-HBs titer, vaccination against HBV has a positive effect on the reduction of HBV-infection in children in tropical settings such as Cameroon., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Philippe Salomon Nguwoh et al.)

Published
2024
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4. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 reveals highest severity and mortality of delta over other variants: evidence from Cameroon.

Author

Fokam J, Essomba RG, Njouom R, Okomo MA, Eyangoh S, Godwe C, Tegomoh B, Otshudiema JO, Nwobegahay J, Ndip L, Akenji B, Takou D, Moctar MMM, Mbah CK, Ndze VN, Maidadi-Foudi M, Kouanfack C, Tonmeu S, Ngono D, Nkengasong J, Ndembi N, Bissek AZK, Mouangue C, Ndongo CB, Epée E, Mandeng N, Kamso Belinga S, Ayouba A, Fernandez N, Tongo M, Colizzi V, Halle-Ekane GE, Perno CF, Ndjolo A, Ndongmo CB, Shang J, Esso L, de-Tulio O, Diagne MM, Boum Y 2nd, Mballa GAE, and Njock LR

Subjects
Humans, Cameroon epidemiology, Genomics, SARS-CoV-2 genetics, COVID-19 epidemiology
Abstract

While the SARS-CoV-2 dynamic has been described globally, there is a lack of data from Sub-Saharan Africa. We herein report the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 lineages from March 2020 to March 2022 in Cameroon. Of the 760 whole-genome sequences successfully generated by the national genomic surveillance network, 74% were viral sub-lineages of origin and non-variants of concern, 15% Delta, 6% Omicron, 3% Alpha and 2% Beta variants. The pandemic was driven by SARS-CoV-2 lineages of origin in wave 1 (16 weeks, 2.3% CFR), the Alpha and Beta variants in wave 2 (21 weeks, 1.6% CFR), Delta variants in wave 3 (11 weeks, 2.0% CFR), and omicron variants in wave 4 (8 weeks, 0.73% CFR), with a declining trend over time (p = 0.01208). Even though SARS-CoV-2 heterogeneity did not seemingly contribute to the breadth of transmission, the viral lineages of origin and especially the Delta variants appeared as drivers of COVID-19 severity in Cameroon., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Published
2023
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5. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated risk factors during the second wave of infection in a university community in Cameroon.

Author

Essomba RG, Bayibeki AN, Lissom A, Ateba PT, Seni N, Fouda CAN, Mbitock SBD, Ebonda ND, Afana SD, Akame S, Tembu AA, Ngamaleu MR, Bimai BCB, Kabo O, Nguwoh PS, Ngounouh CT, Meka MCJ, Kengne M, Likeng JN, Kimessoukie EO, Nkoum BA, Assoumou MCO, Fokam J, Yap Boum II, Ambomo MS, and Chadou MJP

Subjects
Female, Humans, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Universities, Cameroon epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pandemics, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Antibodies, Viral, Risk Factors, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin M, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 epidemiology
Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a public health emergency in all sectors of society, including universities and other academic institutions in Cameroon. However, little is known concerning the real prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among student communities during the second wave of infection in Cameroon. This study aimed to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalence among participants in a university community in Cameroon., Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 in 547 students aged ≥18 years during a mass diagnostic campaign at the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa (ESS/UCAC). The anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening was done using the Panbio™ COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Diagnostic Test., Results: The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 27%, of which 89.9% ( n =  133) was IgG, 6.7% ( n =  10) IgM and 3.4% ( n =  5) IgG/IgM positive. The undergraduate students represented 79% (432/547) of the total population and were highly positive with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 30% (130/432) as compared with postgraduate students 20% (23/115). The total antibody seropositivity was higher in males (34.4%) than females (24.9%). Several factors were associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence including the male gender (OR: 1.61 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.4]), specialization to medical laboratory (OR: 2.8 [95% CI 1.1-7.1]) and nursing sciences (OR: 2.6 [95% CI 1.1-6.2])., Conclusion: Our findings point to extensive and underreported circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon, which likely resulted in artificially low case counts., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Published
2023
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6. Plasma IL-33 levels and immune activation in HIV-TB coinfection: a cross-sectional study in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Author

Essomba RG, Mbe RM, Ngogang MP, Ekono CB, Bitoungui VJN, Seni N, Nguwoh PS, Ateba PT, Kamdem SD, Nono JK, Ambomo MS, Assoumou MCO, and Mbopi-Kéou FX

Subjects
Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Cameroon, Cross-Sectional Studies, Cytokines, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Coinfection, HIV Infections, Interleukin-33 blood, Tuberculosis epidemiology
Abstract

Introduction: HIV-1 and Mtb are characterized by immune activation and unbalances production of cytokines, but the expression of IL33 in HIV/TB coinfection remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the level of IL-33 in plasma of HIV and M. tuberculosis (HIV/TB) coinfected patients compared to patients with respective mono infections in Yaoundé., Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the pneumology service and HIV treatment center of the Yaoundé Jamot Hospital. Plasma samples of 157 HIV/TB coinfected patients (n =26, 50% males and 50% females, mean age 39), HIV-1 monoinfected patients (n = 41, 41% males and 59% females, mean age 35), TB monoinfected patients (n = 48, 56% males and 44% females, mean age 37) and healthy controls (n = 42, 29% males and 71% females, mean age 32) were examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) to detect the levels of IL-33 cytokine., Results: plasma level of IL-33 were higher in HIV/TB coinfected (33.1±30.9 pg/ml) and TB monoinfected individuals (15.1±2.9 pg/ml) compared to healthy controls (14.0±3.4 pg/ml) and could not be detected in most of the HIV-1 monoinfected individuals (12.6±8.7 pg/ml). Interestingly, the increased plasma level of IL-33 in HIV/TB coinfected patients showed a statistically significant difference between healthy controls (33.1±30.9 pg/ml vs 14.0±3.4 pg/ml, P<0.0001) and HIV-1 monoinfected patients (33.1±30.9 pg/ml vs 12.6±8.7 pg/ml, P=0.0002). We further found that IL-33 was higher in patients with high viral load group (40.6±59.7 pg/ml vs 12.6±1.8 pg/ml), P= 0.47) whereas patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) showed decreased level of IL-33 concentration as the number of years under ART increased. Our data showed a positive association between plasma IL-33 and viral load in the context of HIV/TB coinfection in our study population with a positive Pearson coefficient of r=0.21., Conclusion: this study indicates that plasma level of IL-33 differs among HIV/TB coinfected patients and respective monoinfections patients. The increased level of plasma IL-33 reveals that IL-33 measurement in HIV-1 monoinfected patients may represent an early predictor of development of tuberculosis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: René Ghislain Essomba et al.)

Published
2023
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7. Pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 before the COVID-19 pandemic era in Cameroon: A comparative analysis according to HIV-status.

Author

Aissatou A, Fokam J, Semengue ENJ, Takou D, Ka'e AC, Ambe CC, Nka AD, Djupsa SC, Beloumou G, Ciaffi L, Tchouaket MCT, Nayang ARM, Pabo WLT, Essomba RG, Halle EGE, Okomo MC, Bissek AZ, Leke R, Boum Y 2nd, Mballa GAE, Montesano C, Perno CF, Colizzi V, and Ndjolo A

Subjects
Humans, Adolescent, Young Adult, Adult, SARS-CoV-2, Pandemics, Cameroon epidemiology, Cross-Sectional Studies, Immunoglobulin G, Antibodies, Viral, Immunoglobulin M, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 diagnosis
Abstract

Background: The lower burden of COVID-19 in tropical settings may be due to preexisting cross-immunity, which might vary according to geographical locations and potential exposure to other pathogens. We sought to assess the overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and determine SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to HIV-status before the COVID-19 pandemic era., Methods: A cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted at the Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (CIRCB) on 288 stored plasma samples (163 HIV-positive versus 125 HIV-negative); all collected in 2017-2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic era. Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 IgG/IgM assay was used for detecting SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM). Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV-1 viral load and TCD4 cell count (LTCD4) were measured using Abbott Real Time PCR and BD FACSCalibur respectively. Statistical analyses were performed, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant., Results: The median [IQR] age was 25 [15-38] years. Overall seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 13.5% (39/288) of which 7.3% (21) was IgG, 7.3% (21) IgM and 1.0% (3) IgG/IgM. According to HIV-status in the study population, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 11.0% (18/163) among HIV-positive versus 16.8% (21/125) among HIV-negative respectively, p=0.21. Specifically, IgG was 6.1% (10/163) versus 8.8% (11/125), p=0.26; IgM was 5.5% (9/163) versus 9.6%, (12/125), p=0.13 and IgG/IgM was 0.6% (1/163) versus 1.6% (2/125) respectively. Among PLHIV, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity according to CD4 count was 9.2% (≥500 cells/µL) versus 1.8% (200-499 cells/µL), (OR=3.5; p=0.04) and 0.6% (<200 cells/µL), (OR=17.7; p<0.01). According to viral load, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was 6.7% (≥40 copies/mL) versus 4.9% (<40 copies/mL), (OR= 3.8; p<0.01)., Conclusion: Before COVID-19 in Cameroon, cross-reactive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were in circulation, indicating COVID-19 preexisting immunity. This preexisting immunity may contribute in attenuating disease severity in tropical settings like Cameroon. Of relevance, COVID-19 preexisting immunity is lower with HIV-infection, specifically with viral replication and poor CD4-cell count. As poor CD4-count leads to lower cross-reactive antibodies (regardless of viral load), people living with HIV appear more vulnerable to COVID-19 and should be prioritized for vaccination., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Aissatou, Fokam, Semengue, Takou, Ka’e, Ambe, Nka, Djupsa, Beloumou, Ciaffi, Tchouaket, Nayang, Pabo, Essomba, Halle, Okomo, Bissek, Leke, Boum, Mballa, Montesano, Perno, Colizzi and Ndjolo.)

Published
2023
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8. The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance.

Author

Tegally H, San JE, Cotten M, Moir M, Tegomoh B, Mboowa G, Martin DP, Baxter C, Lambisia AW, Diallo A, Amoako DG, Diagne MM, Sisay A, Zekri AN, Gueye AS, Sangare AK, Ouedraogo AS, Sow A, Musa AO, Sesay AK, Abias AG, Elzagheid AI, Lagare A, Kemi AS, Abar AE, Johnson AA, Fowotade A, Oluwapelumi AO, Amuri AA, Juru A, Kandeil A, Mostafa A, Rebai A, Sayed A, Kazeem A, Balde A, Christoffels A, Trotter AJ, Campbell A, Keita AK, Kone A, Bouzid A, Souissi A, Agweyu A, Naguib A, Gutierrez AV, Nkeshimana A, Page AJ, Yadouleton A, Vinze A, Happi AN, Chouikha A, Iranzadeh A, Maharaj A, Batchi-Bouyou AL, Ismail A, Sylverken AA, Goba A, Femi A, Sijuwola AE, Marycelin B, Salako BL, Oderinde BS, Bolajoko B, Diarra B, Herring BL, Tsofa B, Lekana-Douki B, Mvula B, Njanpop-Lafourcade BM, Marondera BT, Khaireh BA, Kouriba B, Adu B, Pool B, McInnis B, Brook C, Williamson C, Nduwimana C, Anscombe C, Pratt CB, Scheepers C, Akoua-Koffi CG, Agoti CN, Mapanguy CM, Loucoubar C, Onwuamah CK, Ihekweazu C, Malaka CN, Peyrefitte C, Grace C, Omoruyi CE, Rafaï CD, Morang'a CM, Erameh C, Lule DB, Bridges DJ, Mukadi-Bamuleka D, Park D, Rasmussen DA, Baker D, Nokes DJ, Ssemwanga D, Tshiabuila D, Amuzu DSY, Goedhals D, Grant DS, Omuoyo DO, Maruapula D, Wanjohi DW, Foster-Nyarko E, Lusamaki EK, Simulundu E, Ong'era EM, Ngabana EN, Abworo EO, Otieno E, Shumba E, Barasa E, Ahmed EB, Ahmed EA, Lokilo E, Mukantwari E, Philomena E, Belarbi E, Simon-Loriere E, Anoh EA, Manuel E, Leendertz F, Taweh FM, Wasfi F, Abdelmoula F, Takawira FT, Derrar F, Ajogbasile FV, Treurnicht F, Onikepe F, Ntoumi F, Muyembe FM, Ragomzingba FEZ, Dratibi FA, Iyanu FA, Mbunsu GK, Thilliez G, Kay GL, Akpede GO, van Zyl GU, Awandare GA, Kpeli GS, Schubert G, Maphalala GP, Ranaivoson HC, Omunakwe HE, Onywera H, Abe H, Karray H, Nansumba H, Triki H, Kadjo HAA, Elgahzaly H, Gumbo H, Mathieu H, Kavunga-Membo H, Smeti I, Olawoye IB, Adetifa IMO, Odia I, Ben Boubaker IB, Muhammad IA, Ssewanyana I, Wurie I, Konstantinus IS, Halatoko JWA, Ayei J, Sonoo J, Makangara JC, Tamfum JM, Heraud JM, Shaffer JG, Giandhari J, Musyoki J, Nkurunziza J, Uwanibe JN, Bhiman JN, Yasuda J, Morais J, Kiconco J, Sandi JD, Huddleston J, Odoom JK, Morobe JM, Gyapong JO, Kayiwa JT, Okolie JC, Xavier JS, Gyamfi J, Wamala JF, Bonney JHK, Nyandwi J, Everatt J, Nakaseegu J, Ngoi JM, Namulondo J, Oguzie JU, Andeko JC, Lutwama JJ, Mogga JJH, O'Grady J, Siddle KJ, Victoir K, Adeyemi KT, Tumedi KA, Carvalho KS, Mohammed KS, Dellagi K, Musonda KG, Duedu KO, Fki-Berrajah L, Singh L, Kepler LM, Biscornet L, de Oliveira Martins L, Chabuka L, Olubayo L, Ojok LD, Deng LL, Ochola-Oyier LI, Tyers L, Mine M, Ramuth M, Mastouri M, ElHefnawi M, Mbanne M, Matsheka MI, Kebabonye M, Diop M, Momoh M, Lima Mendonça MDL, Venter M, Paye MF, Faye M, Nyaga MM, Mareka M, Damaris MM, Mburu MW, Mpina MG, Owusu M, Wiley MR, Tatfeng MY, Ayekaba MO, Abouelhoda M, Beloufa MA, Seadawy MG, Khalifa MK, Matobo MM, Kane M, Salou M, Mbulawa MB, Mwenda M, Allam M, Phan MVT, Abid N, Rujeni N, Abuzaid N, Ismael N, Elguindy N, Top NM, Dia N, Mabunda N, Hsiao NY, Silochi NB, Francisco NM, Saasa N, Bbosa N, Murunga N, Gumede N, Wolter N, Sitharam N, Ndodo N, Ajayi NA, Tordo N, Mbhele N, Razanajatovo NH, Iguosadolo N, Mba N, Kingsley OC, Sylvanus O, Femi O, Adewumi OM, Testimony O, Ogunsanya OA, Fakayode O, Ogah OE, Oludayo OE, Faye O, Smith-Lawrence P, Ondoa P, Combe P, Nabisubi P, Semanda P, Oluniyi PE, Arnaldo P, Quashie PK, Okokhere PO, Bejon P, Dussart P, Bester PA, Mbala PK, Kaleebu P, Abechi P, El-Shesheny R, Joseph R, Aziz RK, Essomba RG, Ayivor-Djanie R, Njouom R, Phillips RO, Gorman R, Kingsley RA, Neto Rodrigues RMDESA, Audu RA, Carr RAA, Gargouri S, Masmoudi S, Bootsma S, Sankhe S, Mohamed SI, Femi S, Mhalla S, Hosch S, Kassim SK, Metha S, Trabelsi S, Agwa SH, Mwangi SW, Doumbia S, Makiala-Mandanda S, Aryeetey S, Ahmed SS, Ahmed SM, Elhamoumi S, Moyo S, Lutucuta S, Gaseitsiwe S, Jalloh S, Andriamandimby SF, Oguntope S, Grayo S, Lekana-Douki S, Prosolek S, Ouangraoua S, van Wyk S, Schaffner SF, Kanyerezi S, Ahuka-Mundeke S, Rudder S, Pillay S, Nabadda S, Behillil S, Budiaki SL, van der Werf S, Mashe T, Mohale T, Le-Viet T, Velavan TP, Schindler T, Maponga TG, Bedford T, Anyaneji UJ, Chinedu U, Ramphal U, George UE, Enouf V, Nene V, Gorova V, Roshdy WH, Karim WA, Ampofo WK, Preiser W, Choga WT, Ahmed YA, Ramphal Y, Bediako Y, Naidoo Y, Butera Y, de Laurent ZR, Ouma AEO, von Gottberg A, Githinji G, Moeti M, Tomori O, Sabeti PC, Sall AA, Oyola SO, Tebeje YK, Tessema SK, de Oliveira T, Happi C, Lessells R, Nkengasong J, and Wilkinson E

Subjects
Africa epidemiology, Genomics, Humans, COVID-19 epidemiology, COVID-19 virology, Epidemiological Monitoring, Pandemics, SARS-CoV-2 genetics
Abstract

Investment in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences that have been generated and used to track the pandemic on the continent, a number that now exceeds 100,000 genomes. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries that are able to sequence domestically and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround times and more-regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and illuminate the distinct dispersal dynamics of variants of concern-particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron-on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve while the continent faces many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

Published
2022
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9. Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.620 with variant of concern-like mutations and deletions.

Author

Dudas G, Hong SL, Potter BI, Calvignac-Spencer S, Niatou-Singa FS, Tombolomako TB, Fuh-Neba T, Vickos U, Ulrich M, Leendertz FH, Khan K, Huber C, Watts A, Olendraitė I, Snijder J, Wijnant KN, Bonvin AMJJ, Martres P, Behillil S, Ayouba A, Maidadi MF, Djomsi DM, Godwe C, Butel C, Šimaitis A, Gabrielaitė M, Katėnaitė M, Norvilas R, Raugaitė L, Koyaweda GW, Kandou JK, Jonikas R, Nasvytienė I, Žemeckienė Ž, Gečys D, Tamušauskaitė K, Norkienė M, Vasiliūnaitė E, Žiogienė D, Timinskas A, Šukys M, Šarauskas M, Alzbutas G, Aziza AA, Lusamaki EK, Cigolo JM, Mawete FM, Lofiko EL, Kingebeni PM, Tamfum JM, Belizaire MRD, Essomba RG, Assoumou MCO, Mboringong AB, Dieng AB, Juozapaitė D, Hosch S, Obama J, Ayekaba MO, Naumovas D, Pautienius A, Rafaï CD, Vitkauskienė A, Ugenskienė R, Gedvilaitė A, Čereškevičius D, Lesauskaitė V, Žemaitis L, Griškevičius L, and Baele G

Subjects
Africa, Central epidemiology, Antibodies, Neutralizing immunology, COVID-19 epidemiology, Europe epidemiology, Humans, Immune Evasion genetics, Mutation, Phylogeny, Phylogeography, SARS-CoV-2 classification, SARS-CoV-2 immunology, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus genetics, Travel statistics & numerical data, COVID-19 transmission, COVID-19 virology, SARS-CoV-2 genetics
Abstract

Distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, discovered through various genomic surveillance initiatives, have emerged during the pandemic following unprecedented reductions in worldwide human mobility. We here describe a SARS-CoV-2 lineage - designated B.1.620 - discovered in Lithuania and carrying many mutations and deletions in the spike protein shared with widespread variants of concern (VOCs), including E484K, S477N and deletions HV69Δ, Y144Δ, and LLA241/243Δ. As well as documenting the suite of mutations this lineage carries, we also describe its potential to be resistant to neutralising antibodies, accompanying travel histories for a subset of European cases, evidence of local B.1.620 transmission in Europe with a focus on Lithuania, and significance of its prevalence in Central Africa owing to recent genome sequencing efforts there. We make a case for its likely Central African origin using advanced phylogeographic inference methodologies incorporating recorded travel histories of infected travellers., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Published
2021
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10. Performance and operational feasibility of antigen and antibody rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Cameroon: a clinical, prospective, diagnostic accuracy study.

Author

Boum Y, Fai KN, Nikolay B, Mboringong AB, Bebell LM, Ndifon M, Abbah A, Essaka R, Eteki L, Luquero F, Langendorf C, Mbarga NF, Essomba RG, Buri BD, Corine TM, Kameni BT, Mandeng N, Fanne M, Bisseck AZ, Ndongmo CB, Eyangoh S, Hamadou A, Ouamba JP, Koku MT, Njouom R, Claire OM, Esso L, Epée E, and Mballa GAE

Subjects
Feasibility Studies, Humans, Prospective Studies, Sensitivity and Specificity, Antibodies, Viral blood, Antigens, Viral analysis, Asymptomatic Infections, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 Serological Testing, SARS-CoV-2 immunology
Abstract

Background: Real-time PCR is recommended to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, PCR availability is restricted in most countries. Rapid diagnostic tests are considered acceptable alternatives, but data are lacking on their performance. We assessed the performance of four antibody-based rapid diagnostic tests and one antigen-based rapid diagnostic test for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community in Cameroon., Methods: In this clinical, prospective, diagnostic accuracy study, we enrolled individuals aged at least 21 years who were either symptomatic and suspected of having COVID-19 or asymptomatic and presented for screening. We tested peripheral blood for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using the Innovita (Biological Technology; Beijing, China), Wondfo (Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech; Guangzhou, China), SD Biosensor (SD Biosensor; Gyeonggi-do, South Korea), and Runkun tests (Runkun Pharmaceutical; Hunan, China), and nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 antigen using the SD Biosensor test. Antigen rapid diagnostic tests were compared with Abbott PCR testing (Abbott; Abbott Park, IL, USA), and antibody rapid diagnostic tests were compared with Biomerieux immunoassays (Biomerieux; Marcy l'Etoile, France). We retrospectively tested two diagnostic algorithms that incorporated rapid diagnostic tests for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients using simulation modelling., Findings: 1195 participants were enrolled in the study. 347 (29%) tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive, 223 (19%) rapid diagnostic test antigen-positive, and 478 (40%) rapid diagnostic test antibody-positive. Antigen-based rapid diagnostic test sensitivity was 80·0% (95% CI 71·0-88·0) in the first 7 days after symptom onset, but antibody-based rapid diagnostic tests had only 26·8% sensitivity (18·3-36·8). Antibody rapid diagnostic test sensitivity increased to 76·4% (70·1-82·0) 14 days after symptom onset. Among asymptomatic participants, the sensitivity of antigen-based and antibody-based rapid diagnostic tests were 37·0% (27·0-48·0) and 50·7% (42·2-59·1), respectively. Cohen's κ showed substantial agreement between Wondfo antibody rapid diagnostic test and gold-standard ELISA (κ=0·76; sensitivity 0·98) and between Biosensor and ELISA (κ=0·60; sensitivity 0·94). Innovita (κ=0·47; sensitivity 0·93) and Runkun (κ=0·43; sensitivity 0·76) showed moderate agreement. An antigen-based retrospective algorithm applied to symptomatic patients showed 94·0% sensitivity and 91·0% specificity in the first 7 days after symptom onset. For asymptomatic participants, the algorithm showed a sensitivity of 34% (95% CI 23·0-44·0) and a specificity of 92·0% (88·0-96·0)., Interpretation: Rapid diagnostic tests had good overall sensitivity for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rapid diagnostic tests could be incorporated into efficient testing algorithms as an alternative to PCR to decrease diagnostic delays and onward viral transmission., Funding: Médecins Sans Frontières WACA and Médecins Sans Frontières OCG., Translations: For the French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests We declare no conflicting interests., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Published
2021
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11. Serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 in an African population.

Author

Fai KN, Corine TM, Bebell LM, Mboringong AB, Nguimbis EBPT, Nsaibirni R, Mbarga NF, Eteki L, Nikolay B, Essomba RG, Ndifon M, Ntone R, Hamadou A, Matchim L, Tchiasso D, Abah Abah AS, Essaka R, Peppa S, Crescence F, Ouamba JP, Koku MT, Mandeng N, Fanne M, Eyangoh S, Mballa GAE, Esso L, Epée E, Njouom R, Okomo Assoumou MC, and Boum Y

Abstract

Official case counts suggest Africa has not seen the expected burden of COVID-19 as predicted by international health agencies, and the proportion of asymptomatic patients, disease severity, and mortality burden differ significantly in Africa from what has been observed elsewhere. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 was extremely limited early in the pandemic and likely led to under-reporting of cases leaving important gaps in our understanding of transmission and disease characteristics in the African context. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and serologic response data could help quantify the burden of COVID-19 disease in Africa to address this knowledge gap and guide future outbreak response, adapted to the local context. However, such data are widely lacking in Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey among 1,192 individuals seeking COVID-19 screening and testing in central Cameroon using the Innovita antibody-based rapid diagnostic. Overall immunoglobulin prevalence was 32%, IgM prevalence was 20%, and IgG prevalence was 24%. IgM positivity gradually increased, peaking around symptom day 20. IgG positivity was similar, gradually increasing over the first 10 days of symptoms, then increasing rapidly to 30 days and beyond. These findings highlight the importance of diagnostic testing and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Cameroon, which likely resulted in artificially low case counts. Rapid antibody tests are a useful diagnostic modality for seroprevalence surveys and infection diagnosis starting 5-7 days after symptom onset. These results represent the first step towards better understanding the SARS-CoV-2 immunological response in African populations., Competing Interests: We declare no competing interests., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Published
2021
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12. Investigations of Kidney Dysfunction-Related Gene Variants in Sickle Cell Disease Patients in Cameroon (Sub-Saharan Africa).

Author

Ngo-Bitoungui VJ, Belinga S, Mnika K, Masekoameng T, Nembaware V, Essomba RG, Ngo-Sack F, Awandare G, Mazandu GK, and Wonkam A

Abstract

Background: Renal dysfunctions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). Early detection and subsequent management of SCD patients at risk for renal failure and dysfunctions are essential, however, predictors that can identify patients at risk of developing renal dysfunction are not fully understood., Methods: In this study, we have investigated the association of 31 known kidney dysfunctions-related variants detected in African Americans from multi-ethnic genome wide studies (GWAS) meta-analysis, to kidney-dysfunctions in a group of 413 Cameroonian patients with SCD. Systems level bioinformatics analyses were performed, employing protein-protein interaction networks to further interrogate the putative associations., Results: Up to 61% of these patients had micro-albuminuria, 2.4% proteinuria, 71% glomerular hyperfiltration, and 5.9% had renal failure. Six variants are significantly associated with the two quantifiable phenotypes of kidney dysfunction (eGFR and crude-albuminuria): A1CF-rs10994860 ( P = 0.02020), SYPL2 - rs12136063 ( P = 0.04208), and APOL1 (G1)-rs73885319 ( P = 0.04610) are associated with eGFR; and WNT7A-rs6795744 ( P = 0.03730), TMEM60-rs6465825 ( P = 0.02340), and APOL1 (G2)-rs71785313 ( P = 0.03803) observed to be protective against micro-albuminuria. We identified a protein-protein interaction sub-network containing three of these gene variants: APOL1, SYPL2 , and WNT7A , connected to the Nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit (NFKB1), revealed to be essential and might indirectly influence extreme phenotypes. Interestingly, clinical variables, including body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), and haemoglobin (Hb), explain better the kidney phenotypic variations in this SCD population., Conclusion: This study highlights a strong contribution of haematological indices (Hb level), anthropometric variables (BMI, blood pressure), and clinical events (i.e., vaso-occlusive crisis) to kidney dysfunctions in SCD, rather than known genetic factors. Only 6/31 characterised gene-variants are associated with kidney dysfunction phenotypes in SCD samples from Cameroon. The data reveal and emphasise the urgent need to extend GWAS studies in populations of African ancestries living in Africa, and particularly for kidney dysfunctions in SCD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Ngo-Bitoungui, Belinga, Mnika, Masekoameng, Nembaware, Essomba, Ngo-Sack, Awandare, Mazandu and Wonkam.)

Published
2021
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13. An ultrasound-based referential of body height-adjusted normal liver organometry in school children from Bokito in rural Cameroon.

Author

Kamdem SD, Kuemkon EM, Kamguia LM, Tchanana GK, Konhawa F, Nche F, Oumarou A, Hamza M, Essomba RG, Kengne M, Ondigui BE, Assoumou MCO, Brombacher F, and Nono JK

Subjects
Adolescent, Animals, Body Height, Cameroon epidemiology, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Hepatomegaly epidemiology, Hepatomegaly parasitology, Humans, Liver anatomy & histology, Liver parasitology, Liver physiology, Male, Portal Vein parasitology, Portal Vein physiology, Schistosoma mansoni pathogenicity, Schistosomiasis mansoni diagnostic imaging, Schistosomiasis mansoni physiopathology, Schools, Spleen parasitology, Splenomegaly epidemiology, Splenomegaly parasitology, Liver diagnostic imaging, Portal Vein diagnostic imaging, Ultrasonography
Abstract

The grading system for ultrasonographic assessment of Schistosoma mansoni morbidity is crucial for evaluation of control programs. This requires prior definition of normal liver organometric ranges in the population from the endemic area. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a S. mansoni endemic area in rural Cameroon. 1002 Participants were screened and 234 of them, free from all common liver-affecting diseases in the area (schistosomiasis, malaria, hepatitis B and C) and with no ultrasonographic signs of liver disease were selected and their liver parameters measured by ultrasonography. All statistics were considered significant for p-values < 0.05. Normal dimensions of livers lobe sizes, portal vein wall thickness and portal vein diameters are reported. The liver organometric data are presented for the entire study population as a whole and separately for males and females as prediction plots, with observed values and fitted regression line with 95% confidence. Reference ranges for liver parameters (size, portal vein thickness and diameter) adjusted for body height established in the current study are novel for Cameroon. The prediction plots generated should improve the accuracy of the assessment of liver morbidity by ultrasonography in the region.

Published
2020
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14. Phylogenetics of HIV-1 subtype G env: Greater complexity and older origins than previously reported.

Author

Tongo M, Essomba RG, Nindo F, Abrahams F, Nanfack AJ, Fokam J, Takou D, Torimiro JN, Mpoudi-Ngole E, Burgers WA, Martin DP, and Dorfman JR

Subjects
Africa, Central, Angola, HIV-1 genetics, HIV-1 metabolism, Humans, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Phylogeography, Recombination, Genetic, HIV Infections virology, HIV-1 classification, HIV-1 isolation & purification, env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus genetics
Abstract

HIV-1 subtype G has played an early and central role in the emergent complexity of the HIV-1 group M (HIV-1M) epidemic in central/west Africa. Here, we analysed new subtype G env sequences sampled from 8 individuals in Yaoundé, Cameroon during 2007-2010, together with all publically available subtype G-attributed full-length env sequences with known sampling dates and locations. We inferred that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the analysed subtype G env sequences most likely occurred in ∼1953 (95% Highest Posterior Density interval [HPD] 1939-1963): about 15 years earlier than previous estimates. We found that the subtype G env phylogeny has a complex structure including seven distinct lineages, each likely dating back to the late 1960s or early 1970s. Sequences from Angola, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo failed to group consistently in these lineages, possibly because they are related to more ancient sequences that are poorly sampled. The circulating recombinant form (CRF), CRF06&#95;cpx env sequences but not CRF25&#95;cpx env sequences are phylogenetically nested within the subtype G clade. This confirms that the CRF06&#95;cpx env plausibly was derived through recombination from a subtype G parent, and suggests that the CRF25&#95;cpx env was likely derived from an HIV-1M lineage related to the MRCA of subtype G that has remained undiscovered and may be extinct. Overall, this fills important gaps in our knowledge of the early events in the spread of HIV-1M., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Published
2015
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