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Mpox is a zoonotic viral infectious disease first identified in humans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970 (1). Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is endemic to forested regions [...]

In September 2022, deaths of pigs manifesting pox-like lesions caused by swinepox virus were reported in Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Two human mpox cases were found concurrently in the surrounding community. Specific diagnostics and robust sequencing are needed to characterize multiple poxviruses and prevent potential poxvirus transmission.

Since the recognition of the first cases of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly across the globe. By late November 2021, almost 260 [...]

Background Weight gain is common after antiretroviral initiation, especially among females, those of black race and lower baseline CD4, although this may potentially be due to lower baseline weight. Use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or efavirenz can suppress weight gain. Methods Data were pooled from the ADVANCE (n  = 1053), NAMSAL (n  = 613) and WHRI001 (n  = 536) trials investigating first-line regimen. Week 96 weight and body mass index (BMI) was stratified by baseline CD4. Multivariable models of weight change and incident obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were adjusted for baseline CD4, age, sex, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, efavirenz, baseline BMI and trial. Results Participants across all treatment arms experienced weight gain from baseline to week 96, with baseline CD4 count, baseline HIV RNA, tenofovir alafenamide and dolutegravir use, and female sex significant predictors. Mean unadjusted weight change was highest with CD4 < 100 (+8.6 kg; SD = 8.2) and lowest with CD4 ≥ 350 (+3.0 kg; SD = 6.5). This weight gain in CD4 < 100 was highest for participants on tenofovir alafenamide-inclusive treatment, such that absolute weight at week 96 was highest in the CD4 < 100 group. Although not statistically significant, obesity rate (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) in those taking TAF/FTC + DTG with CD4 < 100 overtook that seen in CD4 ≥ 350, despite lower baseline obesity prevalence. The unadjusted findings were corroborated in multivariable longitudinal models. Conclusions Participants with low CD4 may demonstrate significant 'overshoot' weight gain, in addition to 'return to health', with a trend towards increased risk of obesity when initiated on TAF/FTC + DTG. Use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and efavirenz were associated with smaller weight gains. Effective weight management strategies are needed, especially for individuals with low baseline CD4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate that the genomic material of SARS-CoV-2 can be isolated from strips of COVID-19 rapid diagnostic test cassettes. Method: It was a prospective cross-sectional study involving patients admitted to treatment centers and sampling sites in the city of Conakry, Guinea. A total of 121 patients were double sampled, and 9 more patients were tested only for RDT. PCR was conducted according to the protocol of the RunMei kit. Sequencing was performed by using the illumina COVIDSeq protocol. Nine COVID-19 RDTs without nasopharyngeal swabs were in addition tested. Result: Among the 130 COVID-19 RDTs, forty-seven were macroscopically positive, whereas seventy-two were positive according to PCR using RDT strip, while among the 121 VTM swabs, sixty-four were positive. Among eighty-three negative COVID-19 RDTs, twenty-seven were positive by PCR using RDT strip with a geometric mean Ct value of 32.49 cycles. Compared to those of PCR using VTM, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR using RDT strip were estimated to be 100% and 85.96%, respectively, with 93.39% test accuracy. Among the fifteen COVID-19 RDT extracts eligible for sequencing, eleven had sequences identical to those obtained via the standard method, with coverage between 75 and 99.6%. Conclusion: These results show that COVID-19 RDTs can be used as biological material for the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The escalating risk and contemporary occurrences of arbovirus infections prompt a critical inquiry into the ability of nations to execute efficient surveillance systems capable to detect, prevent and respond to arbovirus outbreaks. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the major actors in the surveillance of infectious diseases with epidemic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of HCWs regarding arboviruses in the public health facilities of Conakry, Guinea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the from December 27, 2022, to January 31, 2023, encompassing from public health facilities in Conakry. The data collection process encompassed various aspects, including the characteristics of health facilities, socio-demographic and professional attributes of HCWs, the information received concerning arboviruses and the sources of information, as well as a series of inquiries designed to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. Subsequently, scores were computed for knowledge, attitude and perception. To identify the factors influencing the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HCWs regarding arboviruses, Decision Tree and Inference Conditional Tree models were used. Results: A total of 352 HCWs participated in the study, comprising 219 from national hospitals, 72 from municipal hospitals and 61 from primary health centers. More than half of the respondents (54.3%) had never received information on arboviruses. Only 1% of the respondents had good knowledge about arboviruses, 95.7% had a negative attitude about arboviruses. Moreover, nearly 60% of the respondents had a moderate perception and 24.1% had a good perception. The analysis revealed significant associations between the knowledge and attitudes of respondents concerning arboviruses and their years of professional experience and age. Conclusion: This study highlights the imperative requirement for comprehensive training targeting HCWs to enhance their capacity for early case detection within healthcare facilities. Additionally, there is a crucial need for analogous studies adopting a mixed-methods approach across all healthcare regions in Guinea. Author summary: Arboviruses, including yellow fever, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever, constitute viral diseases transmitted by blood-sucking arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and biting midges, to vertebrate hosts. In many countries, particularly within Africa, the prevalence of these arboviruses remains widely underestimated due to the absence of effective surveillance systems, often resulting in the conflation of arboviral infections with other infectious diseases. Nevertheless, sub-Saharan Africa is prone to periodic arbovirus-linked epidemics, propelled by factors such as the expansion of vector habitats, viral genetic mutations, anthropogenic influences, inadequate healthcare services, commercial transportation, and climate fluctuations. While Guinea has predominantly reported suspected cases of yellow fever, widespread arbovirus-related epidemics have yet to be documented. Nevertheless, it is imperative for healthcare workers to be well-informed and prepared for prospective epidemics. The assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of healthcare workers can serve as a catalyst to heighten awareness, bolster surveillance mechanisms, and enhance the capabilities of public health facilities in the prevention and mitigation of potential epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A prospective study was extended to the new antiretroviral and monitoring strategies in HIV-infected adults in low-income countries (NAMSAL-ANRS)-12313 trial, a 96-week open-label, multicenter, randomized phase 3 trial comparing dolutegravir (DTG) 50 mg with efavirenz 400 mg (EFV400), both administered with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine (TDF/3TC) as first-line treatment for antiretroviral therapy (ART)–naive people living with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV). Noninferiority of DTG to EFV400 was demonstrated at 48-week and sustained at 96 weeks. Here, we present results at 192-week. Methods Previous trial participants were reconsented and followed up on their initial randomization arm (1:1 DTG/TDF/3TC:EFV400/TDF/3TC). Assessments included changes in viral suppression, biological parameters, and new serious adverse events (SAEs). Results Among the participants enrolled in the trial, 81% (499/613) were analyzed at week 192: 84% (261/310) on DTG/TDF/3TC and 78% (238/303) on EFV400/TDF/3TC. HIV RNA suppression was maintained in 69% (214/310) on DTG/TDF/3TC-based and 62% (187/303) on EFV400/TDF/3TC-based regimens (difference, 7.3% [95% confidence interval, −.20 to 14.83]; P =.057). Five (DTG/TDF/3TC = 2; EFV400/TDF/3TC = 3) new viral failures (World Health Organization definition) without related resistance DTG mutations and 24 new SAEs were observed (DTG/TDF/3TC = 13; EFV400/TDF/3TC = 11). Mean weight gain was +9.4 kg on DTG/TDF/3TC and +5.9 kg on EFV400/TDF/3TC. The percentage of participants with obesity increased from 6.9% to 27.7% on DTG/TDF/3TC (P <.0001) and from 8.3% to 16.7% on EFV400/TDF/3TC (P =.0033). Conclusions Four-year follow-up of people with HIV on DTG- and EFV400-based regimens showed long-term efficacy and safety of both ARTs, markedly among participants on DTG/TDF/3TC with high baseline viral load. However, unexpected substantial weight gain over time was prominent among participants on DTG/TDF/3TC, which should be closely monitored. Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT02777229. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials evaluating antiretroviral drugs have both reported substantial levels of clinical obesity in participants. As one of the main risk factors for metabolic syndrome, growing rates of obesity may drive metabolic syndrome development. This study aims to evaluate the risk of metabolic syndrome in the ADVANCE and NAMSAL trials. Methods: The number of participants with metabolic syndrome was calculated at baseline and week 192 as central obesity and any of the following two factors: raised triglycerides, reduced HDL-cholesterol, raised blood pressure and raised fasting glucose. Differences between the treatment arms were calculated using the χ2 test. Results: Across all visits to week 192, treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome was 15% (TAF/FTC + DTG), 10% (TDF/FTC + DTG) and 7% (TDF/FTC/EFV) in ADVANCE. The results were significantly higher in the TAF/FTC + DTG arm compared to the TDF/FTC/EFV arm (p < 0.001), and the TDF/FTC + DTG vs. the TDF/FTC/EFV arms (p < 0.05) in all patients, and in females. In NAMSAL, the incidence of treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome at any time point was 14% (TDF/3TC + DTG) and 5% (TDF/3TC + EFV) (p < 0.001). This incidence was significantly greater in the TDF/3TC/DTG arm compared to the TDF/3TC/EFV arm in all patients (p < 0.001), and in males (p < 0.001) Conclusion: In this analysis, we highlight treatment-emergent metabolic syndrome associated with dolutegravir, likely driven by obesity. Clinicians initiating or monitoring patients on INSTI-based ART must counsel for lifestyle optimisation to prevent these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human Mpox cases are increasingly reported in Africa, with the highest burden in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While case reporting on a clinical basis can overestimate infection rates, laboratory confirmation by PCR can underestimate them, especially on suboptimal samples like blood, commonly used in DRC. Here we used a Luminex-based assay to evaluate whether antibody testing can be complementary to confirm cases and to identify human transmission chains during outbreak investigations. We used left-over blood samples from 463 patients, collected during 174 outbreaks between 2013 and 2022, with corresponding Mpox and VZV PCR results. In total, 157 (33.9%) samples were orthopox-PCR positive and classified as Mpox+; 124 (26.8%) had antibodies to at least one of the three Mpox peptides. The proportion of antibody positive samples was significantly higher in Mpox positive samples (36.9%) versus negative (21.6%) (p < 0.001). By combining PCR and serology, 66 additional patients were identified, leading to an Mpox infection rate of 48.2% (223/463) versus 33.9% when only PCR positivity is considered. Mpox infections were as such identified in 14 additional health zones and 23 additional outbreaks (111/174 (63.8%) versus 88/174 (50.6%)). Our findings highlight the urgent need of rapid on-site diagnostics to circumvent Mpox spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to estimate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence among the general population in Conakry, Guinea and Yaounde, Cameroon after the coronavirus disease 2019 Omicron wave. Methods We conducted population-based, age-stratified seroprevalence surveys in Conakry and Yaounde (May and June 2022). We collected demographic and epidemiologic information and dried blood spot samples that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using recombinant nucleocapsid and spike proteins with Luminex technology. Results Samples were obtained from 1386 and 1425 participants in Guinea and Cameroon, respectively. The overall age-standardized SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence against spike and nucleocapsid proteins was 71.57% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.48%–75.33%) in Guinea and 74.71% (95% CI, 71.99%–77.25%) in Cameroon. Seroprevalence increased significantly with age categories. Female participants were more likely than male participants to be seropositive. The seroprevalence in unvaccinated participants was 69.6% (95% CI, 65.5%–73.41%) in Guinea and 74.8% (95% CI, 72.04%–77.38%) in Cameroon. In multivariate analysis, only age, sex, and education were independently associated with seropositivity. Conclusions These findings show a high community transmission after the different epidemiological waves including Omicron, especially among people aged >40 years. In addition, our results suggest that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been underestimated as a significant proportion of the population has already contracted the virus and that vaccine strategies should focus on vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Longitudinal analyses are needed to better understand long-term Ebola virus disease (EVD) sequelae. We aimed to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae and to identify risk factors associated with symptom occurrence among EVD survivors in Guinea. Methods We followed 802 EVD survivors over 48 months and recorded clinical symptoms with their start/end dates. Prevalence, incidence, and duration of sequelae were calculated. Risk factors associated with symptom occurrence were assessed using an extended Cox model for recurrent events. Results Overall, the prevalence and incidence of all symptoms decreased significantly over time, but sequelae remained present 48 months after Ebola treatment center discharge with a prevalence of 30.68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.40–39.96) for abdominal, 30.55% (95% CI 20.68–40.41) for neurologic, 5.80% (95% CI 1.96–9.65) for musculoskeletal, and 4.24% (95% CI 2.26–6.23) for ocular sequelae. Half of all patients (50.70%; 95% CI 47.26–54.14) complained of general symptoms 2 years' postdischarge and 25.35% (95% CI 23.63–27.07) 4 years' post-discharge. Hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; P =.007), neurologic (HR 2.63; P =.021), and general symptoms (HR 0.34; P =.003) in the EVD acute phase were significantly associated with the further occurrence of ocular sequelae, whereas hemorrhage (HR 1.91; P =.046) and abdominal (HR 2.21; P =.033) symptoms were significantly associated with musculoskeletal sequelae. Conclusions Our findings provide new insight into the long-term clinical complications of EVD and their significant association with symptoms in the acute phase, thus reinforcing the importance of regular, long-term follow-up for EVD survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of specific anti-Ebola virus therapy, especially monoclonal antibodies, has improved survival in patients with Ebola virus disease. We aimed to assess the effect of monoclonal antibodies on anti-Ebola virus antibody responses in survivors of the 2018–20 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this observational prospective cohort study, participants were enrolled at three Ebola survivor clinics in Beni, Mangina, and Butembo (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Eligible children and adults notified as survivors of Ebola virus disease (ie, who had confirmed Ebola virus disease [RT-PCR positive in blood sample] and were subsequently declared recovered from the virus [RT-PCR negative in blood sample] with a certificate of recovery from Ebola virus disease issued by an Ebola treatment centre) during the 2018–20 Ebola virus disease outbreak were invited to participate in the study. Participants were recruited on discharge from Ebola treatment centres and followed up for 12–18 months depending on recruitment date. Routine follow-up assessments were done at 1, 3, 6, and 12–18 months after inclusion. We collected sociodemographic (age, sex, visit site), clinical (anti-Ebola virus drugs), and laboratory data (RT-PCR and Ct values). The primary outcome was the antibody concentrations against Ebola virus glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and 40-kDa viral protein antigens over time assessed in all participants. Antibody concentrations were measured by the multiplex immunoassay, and the association between anti-Ebola virus antibody levels and the relevant exposures, such as anti-Ebola virus disease drugs (ansuvimab, REGN-EB3, ZMapp, or remdesivir), was assessed using both linear and logistic mixed regression models. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04409405. Between April 16, 2020, and Oct 18, 2021, 1168 survivors were invited to participate in the Les Vainqueurs d'Ebola cohort study. 787 survivors were included in the study, of whom 358 had data available for antibody responses. 85 (24%) of 358 were seronegative for at least two Ebola virus antigens on discharge from the Ebola treatment centre. The antibody response over time fluctuated but a continuous decrease in an overall linear evolution was observed. Quantitative modelling showed a decrease in nucleoprotein, glycoprotein, and VP-40 antibody concentrations over time (p<0·0001) with the fastest decrease observed for glycoprotein. The probability of being seropositive for at least two antigens after 36 months was 53·6% (95% CI 51·6–55·6) for participants who received ansuvimab, 73·5% (71·5–75·5) for participants who received REGN-EB3, 76·8% (74·8–78·8) for participants who received remdesivir, and 78·5% (76·5–80·5) for participants who received ZMapp. Almost a quarter of survivors were seronegative on discharge from the Ebola treatment centre and antibody concentrations decreased rapidly over time. These results indicate that monoclonal antibodies might negatively affect the production of anti-Ebola virus antibodies in survivors of Ebola virus disease which could increase the risk of reinfection or reactivation. The French National Agency for AIDS Research–Emergent Infectious Diseases–The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, the French National Research Institute for Development, and the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. For the French translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports raise concerns on the changing epidemiology of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). High-quality genomes were generated for 337 patients from 14/26 provinces to document whether the increase in number of cases is due to zoonotic spillover events or viral evolution, with enrichment of APOBEC3 mutations linked to human adaptation. Our study highlights two patterns of transmission contributing to the source of human cases. All new sequences from the eastern South Kivu province (n = 17; 4.8%) corresponded to the recently described clade Ib, associated with sexual contact and sustained human-to-human transmission. By contrast, all other genomes are clade Ia, which exhibits high genetic diversity with low numbers of APOBEC3 mutations compared with clade Ib, suggesting multiple zoonotic introductions. The presence of multiple clade I variants in urban areas highlights the need for coordinated international response efforts and more studies on the transmission and the reservoir of mpox., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: During the 2018-20 Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thousands of patients received unprecedented vaccination, monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy, or both, leading to a large number of survivors. We aimed to report the clinical, virological, viral genomic, and immunological features of two previously vaccinated and mAb-treated survivors of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who developed second episodes of disease months after initial discharge, ultimately complicated by fatal meningoencephalitis associated with viral persistence., Methods: In this case report study, we describe the presentation, management, and subsequent investigations of two patients who developed recrudescent Ebola virus disease and subsequent fatal meningoencephalitis. We obtained data from epidemiological databases, Ebola treatment units, survivor programme databases, laboratory datasets, and hospital records. Following national protocols established during the 2018-20 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, blood, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected during the first and second episodes of Ebola virus disease from both individuals and were analysed by molecular (quantitative RT-PCR and next-generation sequencing) and serological (IgG and IgM ELISA and Luminex assays) techniques., Findings: The total time between the end of the first Ebola virus episode and the onset of the second episode was 342 days for patient 1 and 137 days for patient 2. In both patients, Ebola virus RNA was detected in blood and CSF samples during the second episode of disease. Complete genomes from CSF samples from this relapse episode showed phylogenetic relatedness to the genome sequenced from blood samples collected from the initial infection, confirming in-host persistence of Ebola virus. Serological analysis showed an antigen-specific humoral response with typical IgM and IgG kinetics in patient 1, but an absence of an endogenous adaptive immune response in patient 2., Interpretation: We report the first two cases of fatal meningoencephalitis associated with Ebola virus persistence in two survivors of Ebola virus disease who had received vaccination and mAb-based treatment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring of survivors, including continued clinical, virological, and immunological profiling, as well as the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent and mitigate the individual and public health consequences of Ebola virus persistence., Funding: Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US National Cancer Institute (National Institutes of Health), French National Research Institute for Development, and WHO., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests We declare no competing interests., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The ongoing national mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in more >30,000 suspected cases in the country from January 2023 to August 2024. While these historic case totals have been driven by primarily by zoonosis, the emergence of Clade Ib monkeypox virus (MPXV), which is connected to more sustained human-to-human transmission, has been associated with increasing public health impacts in eastern DRC. First identified in South Kivu province, Clade Ib MPXV has been identified in multiple non-endemic East African countries for the first time. In DRC, there have been concerns over broader Clade Ib expansion in the country that could further complicate containment and mitigation responses. Here, we report the first introductions of Clade Ib into North Kivu province, including within internal displacement camps, with suspected close contact transmission that includes non-intimate contacts and children. These findings demonstrate that mpox case investigations and community messaging campaigns should include considerations for non-sexual contact-mediated transmission of Clade Ib that includes children <15 years., Competing Interests: COMPETING INTERESTS None of the other authors declare competing interests.

Between January and August 2024, mpox cases have been reported in nearly all provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Monkeypox virus genome sequences were obtained from 11 mpox cases' samples, collected in July-August 2024 in several health zones of Kinshasa. Characterisation of the sequences showed subclades Ia and Ib co-circulating in the Limete health zone, while phylogenetic analyses suggested multiple introductions of the two subclades in Kinshasa. This illustrates the growing complexity of Clade I mpox outbreaks in DRC.

Background: Ebola (EBOV) and Sudan (SUDV) orthoebolaviruses are responsible for lethal haemorrhagic fever outbreaks in humans in Central and West Africa, and in apes that can be at the source of human outbreaks for EBOV., Methods: To assess the risk of exposure to orthoebolaviruses through contact with non-human primates (NHP), we tested the presence of antibodies against different viral proteins with a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay in a case-control study on bites from NHPs in forest areas from Cameroon (n=795), and in cross-sectional surveys from other rural populations (n=622) of the same country., Results: Seroreactivities against at least two viral proteins were detected in 13% and 12% of the samples for EBOV and SUDV, respectively. Probability of seroreactivity was not associated with history of NHP bites, but was three times higher in Pygmies compared to Bantus. Although no neutralizing antibodies to EBOV and SUDV were detected in a selected series of highly reactive samples, avidity results indicate strong affinity to SUDV antigens., Conclusion: The detection of high level of seroreactivities against orthoebolaviruses in rural Cameroon where no outbreaks have been reported, raises the possibilities of silent circulation of orthoebolavirus, or of other not yet documented filoviruses, in these forested regions., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Background: Emergence of mosquito-borne arboviruses has caused significant public health burden. The life cycle of arboviruses comprises sylvatic and urban cycles, including a wildlife reservoir, a human host, and an arthropod vector. However, many questions remain on the sylvatic cycles of arboviruses. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of IgG antibodies to arboviruses of public health importance in African bats. Material and Methods: We collected dried blood spots from bats in Cameroon, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To detect IgG antibodies to 10 antigens of 6 arboviruses (Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Usutu, Chikungunya, and O'nyong nyong viruses), we adapted a previously validated multiplex detection assay based on the Luminex technology. Results: We tested samples from 2579 bats, representing 1917 frugivorous and 641 insectivorous bats distributed in 7 families and 21 species. Overall, 218/2579 (8.45%) bat samples reacted with at least 1 of the 10 antigens tested. The highest prevalence was observed against Usutu virus with 2.3% (59/2579), followed by 1.9% (49/2579) and 1.35% (35/2579) for the Dengue virus serotypes 4 and 3, respectively. The global seroprevalence varied by country and collection site: 11% (151/1376) in Cameroon, 3.5% (20/565) in DRC, and 7.3% (47/638) in Guinea. The highest rates were observed in Hypsignathus monstrosus (17.9%), Rousettus aegyptiacus (16.4%), and Eidolon helvum (10.7%), and in species from the insectivorous Molossidae family (7.8-8.9%). Finally, we observed changes in seroprevalence over the year in E. helvum and H. monstrosus colonies, which could be related to population structure. Conclusion: On more than 2500 bat samples tested, we showed variable IgG seroprevalences against multiple arboviruses. Overall, the prevalence of IgG antibodies of 8.45% against arboviruses found in bats suggest that they could play a role in arboviruses cycles in the wild, in addition to other animal species.

Background: In October 2020, after the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), only 8290 confirmed cases were reported in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the real prevalence remains unknown. To guide public health policies, we aimed to describe the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the general population in Kinshasa., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, household-based serosurvey between 22 October 2020 and 8 November 2020. Participants were interviewed at home and tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in a Luminex-based assay. A positive serology was defined as a sample that reacted with both SARS-CoV-2 proteins (100% sensitivity, 99.7% specificity). The overall weighted, age-standardized prevalence was estimated and the infection-to-case ratio was calculated to determine the proportion of undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infections., Results: A total of 1233 participants from 292 households were included (mean age, 32.4 years; 764 [61.2%] women). The overall weighted, age-standardized SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 16.6% (95% CI: 14.0-19.5%). The estimated infection-to-case ratio was 292:1. Prevalence was higher among participants ≥40 years than among those <18 years (21.2% vs 14.9%, respectively; P < .05). It was also higher in participants who reported hospitalization than among those who did not (29.8% vs 16.0%, respectively; P < .05). However, differences were not significant in the multivariate model (P = .1)., Conclusions: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is much higher than the number of COVID-19 cases reported. These results justify the organization of a sequential series of serosurveys by public health authorities to adapt response measures to the dynamics of the pandemic., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)