1. Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance among Prison Populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in 2022.
- Author
-
Ferreira da Silva, Liliane, Alcantara, Luiz Carlos Junior, Fonseca, Vagner, Frias, Diego, Umaki Zardin, Marina Castilhos Souza, de Castro Lichs, Gislene Garcia, Esposito, Ana Olivia Pascoto, Xavier, Joilson, Fritsch, Hegger, Lima, Mauricio, de Oliveira, Carla, Castilho de Arruda, Larissa Domingues, Maziero, Livia de Mello Almeida, Rodrigues Barretos, Ellen Caroline, Tsuha Oshiro, Paulo Eduardo, Gimenes Mendes Menezes, Evellyn Fernanda, de Freitas Cardoso, Lucélia, Ferreira Lemos, Everton, Lourenço, José, and de Albuquerque, Carlos F. C.
- Subjects
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant ,WHOLE genome sequencing ,INFECTIOUS disease transmission ,VACCINATION status ,PRISON population - Abstract
This study examines the epidemiological and genomic characteristics, along with the transmission dynamics, of SARS-CoV-2 within prison units I and II in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Conducted between May and October 2022, it reveals how the virus spreads in the confined settings of prisons, emphasizing the roles of overcrowded cells, frequent transfers, and limited healthcare access. The research involved 1927 participants (83.93% of the total prison population) and utilized nasopharyngeal swabs and RT-qPCR testing for detection. Contact tracing monitored exposure within cells. Out of 2108 samples, 66 positive cases were identified (3.13%), mostly asymptomatic (77.27%), with the majority aged 21–29 and varying vaccination statuses. Next-generation sequencing generated 28 whole genome sequences, identifying the Omicron variant (subtypes BA.2 and BA.5) with 99% average coverage. Additionally, the study seeks to determine the relationship between immunization levels and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases within this enclosed population. The findings underscore the necessity of comprehensive control strategies in prisons, including rigorous screening, isolation protocols, vaccination, epidemiological monitoring, and genomic surveillance to mitigate disease transmission and protect both the incarcerated population and the broader community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF