Search

Abstract Background Several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have a demonstrated impact on public health, including high and increased transmissibility, severity of infection, and immune escape. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 lineages and better characterize the dynamics of the pandemic during the different waves in Guinea. Methods Whole genome sequencing of 363 samples with PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values under thirty was undertaken between May 2020 and May 2023. The Illumina iSeq 100 technology was used. The sequences were then analyzed using the GeVarli pipeline to generate consensus sequences and variant calling. All sequences isolated in Guinea and available on GISAID were included in the analysis for phylogenetic tree and phylodynamic determination. Nextstain tools were used for these analyses. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism version 10. Results The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Guinea can be distributed in three different periods. The first, lasting from May to June 2020, was characterized by lineages B1 and B.1.1. The second period, from January 2021 to July 2021, was characterized by the lineages B.1.1.7 (Alpha), AY.122, B.1.1.318, R1, B.1.525 and B.1.629. The third period, between December 2021 and May 2023, was characterized by the Omicron variant, with nine subvariant majorities found. In addition, detecting variants in the period out of their circulation was documented. The importation and exportation investigation showed the strong movement viral association between Guinea and Senegal on the one hand and Guinea and Nigeria on the other. Conclusion In summary, this study contributes to understanding the epidemic dynamics of the disease by describing the significant variants that circulated in Guinee and the distribution of this variant in the population. It also shows the importation and exportation of the virus during the pandemic. Sub-sampling and degradation of samples for sequences were observed. Organization and collaboration between laboratories are needed for a good sample-collecting and storage system for future direction.

Abstract 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.

BackgroundEarly identification and management of cases are key for controlling and eliminating malaria. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with the delay malaria treatment in Guinea.MethodsCross-sectional study was conducted at 60 health facilities in eight administrative regions from December 2022 to March 2023. Patients with a diagnosis of malaria through either microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Treatment delays were defined as seeking care 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with treatment delay. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) were used to explain the associated factors.Results3,300 malaria patients were included and the findings showed a median time of symptoms onset and access of malaria treatment was 3.04 days. Alarmingly, only 800 (24.24%) of all cases sought and received treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. The multivariate logistic regression indicated that children under 5 years of age who attempted self-medication for fever were 4.32 times more likely to experience a delay in treatment than those who sought immediate medical care in health facilities (OR:4.32, 95% CI: 2.96–6.36). Children whose parents had no formal education were 3.05 times more likely to experience a delay in treatment (OR:3.05, 95% CI: 1.66–5.60). Moreover, when the disease was considered non-severe the first time by caregivers, OR = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.26–2.33). For those 5 years old and above, using university hospital OR = 4.01, (95% CI: 2.01–8.44), living in Forest Guinea OR = 3.14, (95% CI 1.93–5.10) and Middle Guinea OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.09–1.95) were more likely to experience delay treatment.ConclusionsThe proportion of malaria patients with treatment within 48 is low, significantly falling short of the national targets. This substantial delay in treatment was attributed to factors such the lack of formal education, self-medication practices, and failure to recognize the illness severity. These findings underscore the urgent need for NMCP to enhance awareness regarding the importance of early presentation at health facilities, with targeted interventions.

Abstract Introduction The composite coverage index (CCI) is the weighted average coverage of eight preventive and curative interventions received along the maternal and childcare continuum. This study aimed to analyse maternal and child health indicators using CCI. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of demographic and health surveys (DHS) focused on women aged 15 to 49 and their children aged 1 to 4. This study took place in Guinea. The CCI (meeting the need for planning, childbirth assisted by qualified healthcare workers, antenatal care assisted by qualified healthcare workers, vaccination against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, taking oral rehydration salts during diarrhoea and seeking care for pneumonia) is optimal if the weighted proportion of interventions is > 50%; otherwise, it is partial. We identified the factors associated with CCI using the descriptive association tests, the spatial autocorrelation statistic and multivariate logistic regression. Results The analyses involved two DHS surveys, with 3034 included in 2012 and 4212 in 2018. The optimal coverage of the CCI has increased from 43% in 2012 to 61% in 2018. In multivariate analysis, in 2012: the poor had a lower probability of having an optimal CCI than the richest; OR = 0.11 [95% CI; 0.07, 0.18]. Those who had done four antenatal care visits (ANC) were 2.78 times more likely to have an optimal CCI than those with less OR = 2.78 [95% CI;2.24, 3.45]. In 2018: the poor had a lower probability of having an optimal CCI than the richest OR = 0.27 [95% CI; 0.19, 0.38]. Women who planned their pregnancies were 28% more likely to have an optimal CCI than those who had not planned OR = 1.28 [95% CI;1.05, 1.56]. Finally, women with more than 4 ANC were 2.43 times more likely to have an optimal CCI than those with the least OR = 2.43 [95% CI; 2.03, 2.90]. The spatial analysis reveals significant disparities with an aggregation of high partial CCI in Labé between 2012 and 2018. Conclusion This study showed an increase in CCI between 2012 and 2018. Policies should improve access to care and information for poor women. Besides, strengthening ANC visits and reducing regional inequalities increases optimal CCI.

Left ventricular non compaction (LVNC) is a relatively rare variety of cardiomyopathy of genetic origin.We report three cases of LVNC diagnosed on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Abidjan in patients aged 42, 46 and 60 years, referred for suspected LVNC on echocardiography.We used a 1.5 T MRI and performed the following sequences: black blood and white blood, LV minor axis, LV major axis, 4 cavities, and T1 SPIR Gadolinium (early and late enhancement at 10 minutes).MRI made the diagnosis of LVNC based on a double-layered myocardium, the inner (endocardium) non compacted, fibrillar thickened and the outer (epicardium) compacted thin with a non compacted to compacted myocardium ratio greater than 2.3, making the formal diagnosis.Cardiac MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool for LVNC. Its recent use in Africa should be common in the management of this cardiomyopathy.

The seroprevalence to orthoebolaviruses was studied in 9594 bats (5972 frugivorous and 3622 insectivorous) from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Guinea, with a Luminex-based serological assay including recombinant antigens of four orthoebolavirus species. Seroprevalence is expressed as a range according to different cut-off calculations. Between 6.1% and 18.9% bat samples reacted with at least one orthoebolavirus antigen; the highest reactivity was seen with Glycoprotein (GP) antigens. Seroprevalence varied per species and was higher in frugivorous than insectivorous bats; 9.1–27.5% versus 1.3–4.6%, respectively. Seroprevalence in male (13.5%) and female (14.4%) bats was only slightly different and was higher in adults (14.9%) versus juveniles (9.4%) (p < 0.001). Moreover, seroprevalence was highest in subadults (45.4%) when compared to mature adults (19.2%), (p < 0.001). Our data suggest orthoebolavirus circulation is highest in young bats. More long-term studies are needed to identify birthing pulses for the different bat species in diverse geographic regions and to increase the chances of detecting viral RNA in order to document the genetic diversity of filoviruses in bats and their pathogenic potential for humans. Frugivorous bats seem more likely to be reservoirs of orthoebolaviruses, but the role of insectivorous bats has also to be further examined.

Abstract Background In a country where radiotherapy (RT) is not available, advocacy based on the relevance of surgery + adjuvant RT in locoregional control and survival is needed. Aim To evaluate the impact of surgery with RT on local control and survival compared to surgery alone in breast cancer (BC). Methods and results Between 2007 and 2016, 210 patients with BC were retrospectively reviewed, of which 90 patients underwent surgery with RT (group 1) and 120 patients' surgery (group 2). There were several treatment combinations, including surgery combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy [ACT], RT, and ACT. The results showed 88 (41.9%) cases of relapse, including 31 (34.4%) (group 1) and 57 (47.5%) (group 2) (p = .046). Recurrence occurred after a mean time of 1.5 years in group 1 versus 0.66 years in group 2 (p = .006). The 5‐year overall and BC‐specific survivals were 49.5% and 62.5%, respectively. The 5‐year survival was 60.0% (group 1) and 40.0% (group 2) (p

Data regarding the prevalence and consequences of self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa are very limited. The study aimed to explore the frequency and risk factors of self-medication against COVID-19 by health personnel in this study. This cross-sectional study took place in June 2021, in Conakry, in the all three national hospitals and the six community medical centers, and five primary health centers. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with self-medication. A total of 975 health workers with a median age of 31 (IQR: 27-40) years, with 504 (51.7%) women were included. The majority were clinicians: physicians (33.1%) or nurses (33.1%). Of all, 46.2% reported having had at least one COVID-19 symptom during the 12 months preceding the survey. The proportion of self-medication was 15.3% among national hospital staff, 12.20% in municipality medical centers and 22.6% in primary health centers (p=0.06). More than two-thirds (68.7%) who selfmedicated did not have a test for SARSCoV- 2 infection. They took antibiotics including azithromycin, amoxicillin, ampicillin (42.2%), acetaminophen (37.4%), vitamin C (27.9%), hydroxychloroquine (23.8%) and medicinal plants (13.6%). The median duration of self-medication was 4 days. Fatigue or asthenia, sore throat, loss of smell and sore throat of a close person were independently associated with selfmedication. Health care workers largely practiced self-medication during the Covid pandemic and without diagnostic testing. The results suggest the need for training and sensitization of medical personnel to avoid the consequences of the molecules used, including hepatotoxicity and antibiotic resistance.

Bats are at the origin of human coronaviruses, either directly or via an intermediate host. We tested swabs from 4597 bats (897 from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 2191 from Cameroon and 1509 from Guinea) with a broadly reactive PCR in the RdRp region. Coronaviruses were detected in 903 (19.6%) bats and in all species, with more than 25 individuals tested. The highest prevalence was observed in Eidolon helvum (239/733; 39.9%) and Rhinolophus sp. (306/899; 34.1%), followed by Hipposideros sp. (61/291; 20.9%). Frugivorous bats were predominantly infected with beta coronaviruses from the Nobecovirus subgenus (93.8%), in which at least 6 species/genus-specific subclades were observed. In contrast, insectivorous bats were infected with beta-coronaviruses from different subgenera (Nobecovirus (8.5%), Hibecovirus (32.8%), Merbecovirus (0.5%) and Sarbecovirus (57.6%)) and with a high diversity of alpha-coronaviruses. Overall, our study shows a high prevalence and genetic diversity of coronaviruses in bats and illustrates that Rhinolophus bats in Africa are infected at high levels with the Sarbecovirus subgenus, to which SARS-CoV-2 belongs. It is important to characterize in more detail the different coronavirus lineages from bats for their potential to infect human cells, their evolution and to study frequency and modes of contact between humans and bats in Africa.

Summary: Background: Insufficient long-term data are available on antibody kinetics in survivors of Ebola virus disease (EVD). Likewise, few studies, with very small sample sizes, have investigated cross-reactions between Ebolavirus spp. In this study, we aimed to assess the humoral antibody response and its determinants in survivors of EVD and assess cross-reactivity of antibodies between diverse Ebolavirus spp. Methods: In this observational, prospective cohort study, we collected blood samples from patients from three recruitment sites in Guinea included in the Postebogui study, and we assessed IgG antibody binding to recombinant glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and 40-kDa viral protein (VP40) of Zaire (EBOV), Bundibugyo (BDBV), and Sudan (SUDV) Ebolaviruses. Participants from the PostEbogui study, from whom we had at least one blood sample that could be tested for the presence of antibodies, were eligible for this analysis. Patients in the PostEbogui study were assessed clinically at inclusion, 1 month and 3 months later, and subsequently every 6 months for up to 60 months after discharge from the Ebola treatment centre. We explored predictors of glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, and VP40 antibody concentrations through a linear mixed model. A logistic mixed model was done to estimate the probability of seropositivity and associated determinants. We assessed cross-reactivity by use of hierarchical cluster analysis. Findings: Of the 802 patients included in the Postebogui study, 687 were included in our analyses. 310 (45%) patients were men and 377 (55%) were women, with an overall median age at the time of the first blood sample of 27·3 years (IQR 19·5–38·2). We observed an overall significant decrease over time of EBOV antibodies, with antibodies against nucleoproteins decreasing more rapidly. At 60 months after discharge from the Ebola treatment centre, the probability of having antibodies against glycoproteins was 76·2% (95% CI 67·2–83·3), against nucleoproteins was 59·4% (46·3–71·3), and against VP40 was 60·9% (51·4–69·8). Persistence of EBOV RNA in semen was associated with higher concentrations of IgG antibodies against nucleoprotein EBOV antigens. Individually, we observed in some survivors an antibody wax-and-wane pattern. The proportion of cross-reactions was highest between glycoproteins from Kissidougou and Mayinga EBOV strains (94·5%, 95% CI 92·5–96·1), followed by EBOV VP40 and BDBV VP40 (88·3%, 85·7–90·6), and EBOV VP40 and SUDV VP40 (83·3%, 80·3–86·1). Interpretation: The probability for survivors of EVD to have antibodies against one or more EBOV antigens remained high, although approximately 25% of survivors had undetectable antibodies, which could have implications, such as a possible decreasing population immunity, for future Ebola outbreaks in the same region. Funding: Reacting–Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement, and Montpellier Université d'Excellence.

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproduction and production performances of crossbred and local dairy cattle in peri-urban of Bamako, the capital of Mali. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 randomly selected households with 450 dairy cattle from four peri-urban of Bamako were individually interviewed, given register format and divided into four focus group discussions. The participants were dairy farmers and they were asked to know the phenotype that seems to them the more interesting for the reproduction and production performances of their dairy cattle. Results: The calving interval (CI) obtained exceeded 433 days in all phenotypic types with average milk yields of 5.13±1.84 kg/day, 4.76±2.41, and 3.05±1.32 kg/day, respectively, for the Holstein crossbred, Montbeliard crossbred, and the local breeds (Zebu Peul and/or Zebu Maure). Crossbred was more productive than local breeds with significant (p

The prefecture of Koubia in the Labé region of Guinea suffers from permanent threats due to anthrax outbreaks. However, investigations have never benefited from laboratory diagnostic testing of suspicious samples. In this work, we performed laboratory diagnostic testing on samples from the most recent anthrax outbreaks that occurred in February and May of 2019. We report the first evidence of laboratory confirmation of anthrax in Guinea. This work highlights the importance for conducting study to understand the dynamic of anthrax at the human, animal, and environment interface in the prefecture of Koubia.

To clarify the role of bats in the ecology of Ebola viruses, we assessed the prevalence of Ebola virus antibodies in a large-scale sample of bats collected during 2015–2017 from countries in Africa that have had previous Ebola outbreaks (Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo) or are at high risk for outbreaks (Cameroon). We analyzed 4,022 blood samples of bats from >12 frugivorous and 27 insectivorous species; 2–37 (0.05%–0.92%) bats were seropositive for Zaire and 0–30 (0%–0.75%) bats for Sudan Ebola viruses. We observed Ebola virus antibodies in 1 insectivorous bat genus and 6 frugivorous bat species. Certain bat species widespread across Africa had serologic evidence of Zaire and Sudan Ebola viruses. No viral RNA was detected in the subset of samples tested (n = 665). Ongoing surveillance of bats and other potential animal reservoirs are required to predict and prepare for future outbreaks.

Zoonoses can constitute a threat for public health that can have a global importance, as seen with the current COVID-19 pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). Bats have been recognized as an important reservoir of zoonotic coronaviruses (CoVs). In West Africa, where there is a high diversity of bat species, little is known on the circulation of CoVs in these hosts, especially at the interface with human populations. In this study, in Guinea, we tested a total of 319 bats belonging to 14 genera and six families of insectivorous and frugivorous bats across the country, for the presence of coronaviruses. We found CoVs in 35 (11%) of the tested bats—in three insectivorous bat species and five fruit bat species that were mostly captured close to human habitat. Positivity rates varied from 5.7% to 100%, depending on bat species. A wide diversity of alpha and beta coronaviruses was found across the country, including three sequences belonging to SarbeCoVs and MerbeCoVs subgenera known to harbor highly pathogenic human coronaviruses. Our findings suggest that CoVs are widely spread in West Africa and their circulation should be assessed to evaluate the risk of exposure of potential zoonotic CoVs to humans.

Background: Most malaria-endemic countries use artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as their first-line treatment. ACTs are known to be highly effective on asexual stages of the malaria parasite. Malaria transmission and the spread of resistant parasites depend on the infectivity of gametocytes. The effect of the current ACT regimens on gametocyte infectivity is unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the infectivity of gametocytes to Anopheles gambiae following ACT treatment in the field. Methods: During a randomised controlled trial in Bougoula-Hameau, Mali, conducted from July 2005 to July 2007, volunteers with uncomplicated malaria were randomised to receive artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine, or artesunate-sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine. Volunteers were followed for 28 days, and gametocyte carriage was assessed. Direct skin feeding assays were performed on gametocyte carriers before and after ACT administration. Results: Following artemether-lumefantrine treatment, gametocyte carriage decreased steadily from Day 0 to Day 21 post-treatment initiation. In contrast, for the artesunate-amodiaquine and artesunate-sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine arms, gametocyte carriage increased on Day 3 and remained constant until Day 7 before decreasing afterward. Mosquito feeding assays showed that artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine significantly increased gametocyte infectivity to Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (p < 10−4), whereas artesunate-sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine decreased gametocyte infectivity in this setting (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Different ACT regimens could lead to gametocyte populations with different capacity to infect the Anopheles vector. Frequent assessment of the effect of antimalarials on gametocytogenesis and gametocyte infectivity may be required for the full assessment of treatment efficacy, the potential for spread of drug resistance and malaria transmission in the field.

Facing growth in demand, dairy production in peri-urban areas of developing countries is changing rapidly. To characterise this development around Bamako (Mali), this study establishes a typology of dairy production systems with a special focus on animal genetic resources. The survey included 52 dairy cattle farms from six peri-urban sites. It was conducted in 2011 through two visits, in the dry and harvest seasons. The median cattle number per farm was 17 (range 5–118) and 42% of farmers owned cropland (8.3± 7.3 ha, minimum 1 ha, maximum 25 ha). Feeding strategy was a crucial variable in farm characterisation, accounting for about 85% of total expenses. The use of artificial insemination and a regular veterinary follow-up were other important parameters. According to breeders’ answers, thirty genetic profiles were identified, from local purebreds to different levels of crossbreds. Purebred animals raised were Fulani Zebu (45.8 %), Maure Zebu (9.2 %), Holstein (3.0 %), Azawak Zebu (1.3 %), Mere Zebu (0.5%) and Kuri taurine (0.1 %). Holstein crossbred represented 30.5% of the total number of animals (19.0% Fulani-Holstein, 11.2% Maure-Holstein and 0.3% Kuri-Holstein). Montbéliarde, Normande and Limousin crossbreds were also found (6.6 %, 0.7% and 0.3 %, respectively). A multivariate analysis helped disaggregate the diversity of management practices. The high diversity of situations shows the need for consideration of typological characteristics for an appropriate intervention. Although strongly anchored on local breeds, the peri-urban dairy systems included a diversity of exotic cattle, showing an uncoordinated quest of breeders for innovation. Without a public intervention, this dynamic will result in an irremediable erosion of indigenous animal genetic resources.

Arboviruses represent a major cause of illness in Africa and have the potential to trigger widespread epidemics. We present data on arbovirus epidemics in Africa in 2023 and demonstrate the need for global public health authorities to intensify efforts in the surveillance and control of arbovirus diseases. Data were collected from the World Health Organization Weekly Bulletin on Outbreaks and Other Emergencies, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weekly Event Based Surveillance Report, and other online sources. In 2023, a total of 7 arboviruses were responsible for 29 outbreaks across 25 countries in Africa, 22 of which occurred in West Africa; the outbreaks resulted in 19,569 confirmed cases and 820 deaths. Arbovirus epidemics in Africa pose a threat not only to public health within the continent but also globally, underscoring the urgent need for substantial investment in arbovirus surveillance, research, and preparedness capacities in Africa to prevent and respond to health crises effectively.

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for neonatal sepsis among neonates admitted to selected health facilities in the Bamako district and Koulikoro region in Mali.Design This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were analyses using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.Setting This facility-based study was conducted in four health facilities consisting of two hospitals and two reference health centres in Mali.Participants The study participants comprised 795 randomly selected neonates and their indexed mother.Outcome measures The primary outcome of the study was the prevalence of sepsis in the considered health facilities. The other variables of interest were risk factors for sepsis.Results The prevalence of neonatal sepsis among the study population was 21.00%. More than 74% of sepsis cases were early onset (

Background The arboviruses continue to be a threat to public health and socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Seroprevalence surveys can be used as a population surveillance strategy for arboviruses in the absence of treatment and vaccines for most arboviruses, guiding the public health interventions. The objective of this study was to analyse the seroprevalence of arboviruses in SSA through a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between 2000 and 2022 reporting the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to seven arboviruses in various human populations residing in SSA. The included studies were assessed using the checklist for assessing the risk of bias in prevalence studies, and the data were extracted using a standard form. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled seroprevalences. The potential sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup analyses and meta-regression. The protocol had been previously registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews with the identifier: CRD42022377946.Results A total of 165 studies from 27 countries, comprising 186 332 participants, were included. Of these, 141 were low-risk and 24 were moderate-risk. The pooled IgG seroprevalence was 23.7% (17.9–30.0%) for Chikungunya virus, 22.7% (17.5–28.4%) for dengue virus, 22.6% (14.1–32.5%) for West Nile virus, 16.4% (7.1–28.5%) for yellow fever virus, 13.1% (6.4–21.7%) for Zika virus, 9.2% (6.5–12.3%) for Rift Valley fever virus and 6.0% (3.1–9.7) for Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that seroprevalence differed considerably between countries, study populations, specific age categories, sample sizes and laboratory methods.Conclusion This SRMA provides information on the significant circulation of various arboviruses in SSA, which is essential for the adoption and planning of vaccines. These findings suggest the need to invest in surveillance and research activities on arbovirus in SSA countries to increase our understanding of their epidemiology to prevent and respond to future epidemics.

In Guinea, genomic surveillance has been established to generate sequences of and to identify locally circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. This study aims to describe the distributions, genetic diversity, and origins of SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic. A migration analysis was performed by selecting all sequences generated in Guinea for variants of concern and interest. From March 2020 to December 2023, 1038 sequences were generated in Guinea and submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database. Of these, 73.1% corresponded to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, which were further grouped into Omicron (69.4%), Delta (21.9%), Alpha (6.6%), and Eta (2.1%). Other variants accounted for 26.9% of the total. Among the total variants analyzed, 75 importations into Guinea from various countries worldwide were identified. Most of the importations (40%) originated from African countries, followed in significance by those from European countries (25.3%) and Asia (18.6%). A significant migratory flow was observed within Guinea. The genomic surveillance reported in this study revealed the diversity of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Guinea, emphasizing the importance of large-scale sequencing analyses in understanding the dynamics of the pandemic.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of orthoebolavirus antibodies in Madina Oula, a non-epidemic rural area in Guinea, in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 14 to April 3, 2022 involving recording household and socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle data, and collecting dried blood spots from 878 individuals in 235 households. Dried blood spots were tested using multiplex serology to detect antibodies to different orthoebolaviruses: Ebola virus, Bundibugyo virus, Sudan virus, Reston virus, and Bombali virus. Seroprevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval and a Z-test was performed to compare the seropositivity between children aged under 15 years and those over 15 years. Household and participant characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistic, and socio-historical conditions were discussed. Results: The serological analysis conducted in 2022 on 878 participants revealed varying reactivity to orthoebolavirus antigens, notably, with glycoprotein antigens, particularly, glycoprotein Sudan virus (16%). A total of 21 samples exhibited reactivity with at least two antigens, with a median age of 27 years (interquartile range 10.00-35.00), ranging from 2 to 80 years. There is no significant difference between seropositivity in children aged under 15 (2.86%) years and those over 15 (2.14%) years. The antibody presence varied per village, with the highest prevalence observed in Ouassou and Dar-es-Salam. Conclusions: Serological data in a region unaffected by recent Ebola outbreaks indicate possible orthoebolavirus endemicity, emphasizing the need for preparedness against known or novel orthoebolaviruses with potential cross-reactivity.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with maternal and neonatal sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis used the PRISMA guideline on sepsis data in sub-Saharan Africa. The bibliographic search was carried out on the following databases: Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar. Additionally, the reference lists of the included studies were screened for potentially relevant studies. The last search was conducted on 15 October 2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment checklist was applied for critical appraisal. Estimates of the prevalence of maternal and neonatal sepsis were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using the Q statistic and the I2 statistic. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to assess the publication bias.ResultsA total of 39 studies were included in our review: 32 studies on neonatal sepsis and 7 studies on maternal sepsis. The overall pooled prevalence of maternal and neonatal sepsis in Sub-Saharan Africa was 19.21% (95% CI, 11.46–26.97) and 36.02% (CI: 26.68–45.36), respectively. The meta-analyses revealed that Apgar score 12 h (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.9–4.1), male sex (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1–1.4), intrapartum fever (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.7), and history of urinary tract infection in the mother (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4–5.2) are factors associated with neonatal sepsis. Rural residence (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.01–10.9), parity (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.7), prolonged labor (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6–6.9), and multiple digital vaginal examinations (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.3–14.3) were significantly associated with maternal sepsis.ConclusionThe prevalence of maternal and neonatal sepsis was high in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple factors associated with neonatal and maternal sepsis were identified. These factors could help in the prevention and development of strategies to combat maternal and neonatal sepsis. Given the high risk of bias and high heterogeneity, further high-quality research is needed in the sub-Saharan African context, including a meta-analysis of individual data.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022382050).