The Nicaraguan COVID-19 situation is exceptional for Central America. The government restricts testing and testing supplies, and the true extent of the coronavirus crisis remains unknown. Dozens of deaths have been reported among health-care workers. However, statistics on the crisis’ effect on health-care workers and their risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 are lacking. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health-care workers and to examine correlations with risk factors such as age, sex and comorbidities. Study participants (N = 402, median age 38.48 years) included physicians, nurses and medical assistants, from public and private hospitals, independent of symptom presentation. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on saliva samples using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay. A questionnaire was employed to determine subjects’ COVID-19-associated symptoms and their vulnerability to complications from risk factors such as age, sex, professional role and comorbidities. The study was performed five weeks into the exponential growth period in Nicaragua. We discovered that 30.35% of health-care workers participating in our study had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. A large percentage (54.92%) of those who tested positive were asymptomatic and were still treating patients. Nearly 50% of health-care workers who tested positive were under 40, an astonishing 30.33% reported having at least one comorbidity. In our study, sex and age are important risk factors for the probability of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 with significance being greatest among those between 30 and 40 years of age. In general, being male resulted in higher risk. Our data are the first non-governmental data obtained in Nicaragua. They shed light on several important aspects of COVID-19 in an underdeveloped nation whose government has implemented a herd-immunity strategy, while lacking an adequate healthcare system and sufficient PPE for health-care workers. These data are important for creating policies for containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to capture key epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaraguan children (≤18 years) seeking medical care, between 6 October and 16 November 2020.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, 418 children were recruited: 319 with symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 and 99 with no symptoms of illness. Children were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. A questionnaire was employed to identify symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities and COVID-19 prevention measures.SettingResearch was carried out in four hospitals and two clinics in Managua, Nicaragua, where schools and businesses remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsChildren were enrolled into a possible COVID-19 group if presenting with clinical symptoms. A comparison group included children lacking any COVID-19 symptoms attending routine check-ups or seeking care for issues unrelated to COVID-19.ResultsA high prevalence (43%) of SARS-CoV-2 infection was found, which was relatively equivalent in symptomatic and non-symptomatic children. Age distribution was similar between symptomatic and non-symptomatic children testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Symptomatic children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 2.7 times more likely to have diarrhoea (26.7% in positive vs 12.0% in negative; OR=2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.8), p=0.001) and were 2.0 times more likely to have myalgia (17.8% in positive vs 9.8% in negative; OR=2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.8), p=0.04). Children with COVID-19 symptoms, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, were more likely to be under age 5 years and to have a pre-existing comorbid condition than children who tested positive but did not have symptoms.ConclusionsThis is the first paediatric study to provide laboratory-confirmed data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaragua, crucial for paediatric health services planning and a successful COVID-19 response. The high prevalence of the virus suggests widespread and sustained community transmission, underscoring the urgent need for robust data on the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout Nicaragua.

Las lagunas cratéricas de Nicaragua se consideran verdaderos “laboratorios” naturales de investigación debido a que son geológicamente jóvenes y por su pequeña dimensión, lo que permite el estudio de procesos evolutivos y de especiación. En estas lagunas se encuentran especies endémicas (familia Cichlidae) que representan recursos valiosos para estudios de especiación, incluyendo la velocidad y fuerzas con las que el aislamiento geográfico, la selección natural y sexual provocan la diversificación fenotípica y, finalmente, la especiación misma. Los peces de la familia Cichlidae han sido objeto de mucha controversia debido a que morfológicamente es difícil diferenciarlos y se requieren de nuevas herramientas moleculares para descifrar las diferencias a nivel genético y entender mejor los procesos de especiación de este fascinante grupo de peces. En este estudio se utilizó el gen Citocromo Oxidasa I, COI, para determinar las relaciones filogenéticas entre los peces del Complejo presente en lagos y lagunas de Nicaragua. El COI ha sido propuesto como “código de barras” genético y como técnica ha sido estandarizada para animales. Este trabajo es parte de una investigación más grande que se enmarca en el Proyecto “DNA Barcoding de la biodiversidad nicaragüense” y se realiza en el Centro de Biología Molecular de la Universidad Centroamericana. Con este estudio se ha logrado determinar que: (1) el gen COI discrimina entre especies de diferentes lagunas, (2) las relaciones entre las especies Midas Cichlidae son complejas y es necesario más de un gen para obtener resultados concluyentes, (3) las especies fundadoras de las lagunas cratéricas provienen del lago de Nicaragua, (4) en las lagunas habitan más de una especie del Complejo Midas Cichlidae y (5) se infiere que la especiación simpátrica es el mecanismo evolutivo que ha conducido a la creación de estas especies, confirmando la hipótesis de otros autores y aportando nuevos elementos sobre la complejidad filogenética de los cíclidos de Nicaragua.

Objective This study aims to assess SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in selected health clinics in Nicaragua's three largest urban areas, where data regarding COVID-19 testing, morbidity and mortality is severely limited. Methods In this cross-sectional study participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by Loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and for antibodies using immunoassays. A questionnaire recorded subjects’ COVID-19-associated symptoms and risk factors. Data were collected from February 22 to March 19, 2021, one year after the first confirmed Nicaraguan cases of SARS-CoV-2. Study participants were enrolled while attending routine checkups or seeking care unrelated to COVID-19. Study participation was random and voluntary. All patients were eligible to participate. Symptom history was not part of eligibility criteria. Results Current infection prevalence was high (14%, LAMP+/Ab-). Antibody testing showed higher overall seroprevalence (38%). Cough was the symptom most highly associated with being LAMP-positive (OR = 3.57, 95% CI 2.65-4.81). Loss of smell had the highest positive predictive value, and was significantly associated with being LAMP-positive. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 current prevalence and seropositivity were quite high. More than half of the sample population had evidence of current or past infection. Knowledge of this previously unknown elevated level of infection is crucial for health care providers and policy makers.