Investment in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences generated, now exceeding 100,000 genomes, used to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence domestically, and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround time 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 shed light on 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 re-emerging 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.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus is responsible for 50%-80% of Hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide. In Nigeria, vertical transmission remains a major route of Hepatitis B virus infection. Primary (vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis) and secondary prevention of HBV transmission by appropriate sexual and sanitary practices are not yet optimal in the country yet measures for early detection (serological, molecular) and treatment of infected pregnant women is not a practice. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done at the Ante-natal clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. One hundred and eighty pregnant women were recruited from March to August 2013, and tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (BIORAD FRANCE) using third generation ELISA, as well as HIV-1 and 2 using Uni-Gold Recombigen and ALERE determine (a rapid immunoassay designed to detect antibodies to HIV 1 and/or 2). Positive HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis B envelope antigen, antibody and Hepatitis B core antibody (DIAPRO Italy) while serum HBV DNA was detected using PCR. Data were obtained using questionnaires to establish and analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.ResultsThe seroprevalence of HBsAg was 8.3% out of which 26.7% were positive for HBeAg, 53.3% had HBeAb, 20% had neither HBeAg nor HBeAb, 100% had total HBcAb and 86.7% had HBV DNA in their serum. The mean age was 32.1years, the highest HBV infection rate occurred in 25-29 year age group. Multiple sexual partners (OR- 3.987, P- value=0.026) and early age at sexual debut (OR 11.996, P- value=0.022) were independent risk factors for HBV infection.ConclusionHepatitis B virus infection is of high endemicity in Nigeria thus early detection, treatment of infected pregnant women, immunoprophylaxis for exposed newborns and surveillance for those with chronic infection is essential. Health education programs on prevention and control measures must be instituted.

IntroductionIn endemic countries, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection occurs mainly during infancy and early childhood, with vertical transmission from an infected mother being a major route of infection. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence and sexual behavioural risk factors for HBV infection among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was done at the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. One hundred and eighty pregnant women were recruited over a six month period, and their serum was tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (BIORAD FRANCE) using third generation ELISA and HIV-1 and 2, using Uni-Gold Recombigen and ALERE determine. Positive HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg), antibody (HBeAb) and Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) (DIAPRO Italy) while serum HBV DNA was detected using PCR. Data were obtained using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS-20ResultsThe seroprevalence of HBsAg was 8.3% out of which 26.7% were positive for HBeAg, 53.3% had HBeAb, 20% had neither HBeAg nor HBeAb, 100% had total HBcAb and 86.7% had HBV DNA in their serum. A co-infection rate (HBV/HIV) of 26.7% was observed. The mean age was 32.1 years, the highest HBV infection rate occurred in 25–29 year age group. Multiple sexual partners (OR- 3.987, P- value=0.026), early age at sexual debut (OR −11.996, P- value=0.022) were independent risk factors for HBV infection.ConclusionThe result of this study brings to light the high prevalence and high infectivity rate of chronic HBV virus infection among women of child bearing age in Nigeria. Thus, there is a dire need for routine screening for all pregnant women during antenatal care, immunoprophylaxis for exposed newborns and surveillance for those with chronic infection. The socio-demographic and risky sexual behavioural characteristics found to be predictors of HBV infection should be considered when developing strategies towards effective sexual health promotion campaign and health education programs on prevention and control measures.

Investment in Africa over the past year with regards to SARS-CoV-2 genotyping has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, exceeding 100,000 genomes generated to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence within their own borders, coupled with a decrease in sequencing turnaround time. Findings from this genomic surveillance underscores the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic but we observe repeated dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 variants within the continent. Sustained investment for genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, particularly in the low vaccination landscape. These investments are very crucial for preparedness and response for future pathogen outbreaks.One-Sentence SummaryExpanding Africa SARS-CoV-2 sequencing capacity in a fast evolving pandemic.

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