The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University

Abstract

Background: Seroprevalence studies, to estimate the proportion of people that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 are importance in African countries, where incidence is among the lowest in the world. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within a university setting of Cameroon.Methods: A cross-sectional study performed in December 2020 - December 2021, among students and staffs of the Evangelical University of Cameroon. COVID-19 antigen rapid detection test (RDT) was performed using Standard Q Biosensor, and one year after SARS-CoV-2 antibody-test was performed within the same population using RDT and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results: 106 participants were enrolled (80% students), female sex was the most represented. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was 0.0% based on antigen RDTs. The seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 antibodies was estimated at 73.6% (95% CI. 64.5-81.0) for IgG and 1.9% (95% CI. 0.2-6.8) for IgM/IgG with RDTs, and 91.9% (95% CI. 84.7-96.4) for anti-nucleocapsid with CLIA. 95.3% (101) reported having developed at least one of the known COVID-19 symptoms (cough and headache being the most common). 90.3% (28) of people who experienced at least one of these symptoms developed IgG antibodies. 40.6% (43) of participants took natural herbs, whereas 55.7% (59) took conventional drugs. The most used herb was Zingiber officinale, while the most used drugs were antibiotics. Conclusion: In this Cameroonian University community, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high, with a greater detection using advanced serological assays. This indicates a wide viral exposure, and the need to adequate control measures especially for those experiencing any related COVID-19 symptoms.

Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and associated risk factors during the second wave of infection in a university community in Cameroon

“…This might be justified by the fact that young males are more socially actives than females, visiting crowded areas like bars and practicing contact games like football which will increase the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. The anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies prevalence in university student population found in this study was higher compared with what reported by Voundi et al 7 (4.6%) among a student community in Yaoundé but less than the one obtained by Wondeu et al 2 among staff and student in a Cameroon university in Bandjoun (75.5%). This difference could be justified in one hand by sample size of our study (547) as compared with that of Voundi et al (11549) and Wondeu et al (106).…”

“…In Cameroon, few seroprevalence studies have been conducted in university settings 2,7 . However, no published data estimate the seroprevalence in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon.…”

“…Cameroon has been under a strict public health alert during the first wave of the disease, with masking required in all public areas, closure of borders, closure of schools and universities, the banning of gatherings of more than 50 individuals and implementation of education and awareness campaigns. 2 The second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 started in Cameroon in the middle of February 2021 and ended in June 2021. 3 During the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic, Cameroon recorded 52,271 confirmed cases and 835 deaths.…”

“…In Cameroon, few seroprevalence studies have been conducted in university settings. 2 , 7 However, no published data estimate the seroprevalence in a university community during the second wave of infection in Cameroon. Thus, there was an urgent and important need to understand the status of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during this complex period of the second wave of COVID‐19 pandemic in Cameroon and to establish baseline seroprevalence data to better understand population immunity levels.…”

Serological surveillance reveals a high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and altered immune response among COVID-19 unvaccinated Cameroonian individuals

“…in a community-based study from Yaoundé (24%) [ 34 ], Deutou Wondeu et al . among university staff and students (71.3%) in Bandjoun, a kingdom in the West Region of Cameroon [ 37 ], Sandie et al . among blood donors from Douala and Yaoundé (66.3% to 98.4%) [ 38 ], and Diallo et al .…”