Assessment of patients'knowledge, attitude and practice of cross-infection control in the dental clinic during COVID-19 pandemic

Background:The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly contagious disease that causes viral respiratory illness, has changed the lifestyle of humans worldwide. Dental practitioners and patients are at high risk of infection during their routine practice due to their exposure to saliva, blood, and droplet production.Aim:To gain insight into the patient's viewpoint regarding the practice, altitude, and knowledge of COVID-19 and its transmission and cross-infection in dental clinics.Methods:This was cross­sectional analytic survey in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aself-administered close-ended questionnaire consisting of 32 variables was distributed among the study participants. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. Results:The age of the participants varied from 20 - 58 years, with a mean age of 34.6 ±5. The majority (89.3%) felt COVID-19 was a highly contagious disease, while 50.0% of the respondents believed that the most common route of COVID-19 transmission in dentistry is through aerosols. The majority, 78.6%, recorded good knowledge of infection control following the COVID-19 outbreak. The number of married patients who had good knowledge of cross-infection control was 118, which was statistically significant.Conclusion:From the study, it is evident that the patients possess a good range of knowledge in both preventive and cross-infection protocols to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the same cannot be said about the practice

Risk factors of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation at Addis Ababa governmental COVID-19 treatment centers

Introduction: during the global COVID-19 pandemic, non-invasive ventilation has become a widely utilized method for treating patients experiencing acute respiratory failure. Noninvasive pressure ventilation is frequently employed as a standard approach for managing acute respiratory failure resulting from COVID-19 pneumonia, as opposed to invasive ventilation methods. However, there is a lack of research on its effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation. Methods: a multi-centric retrospective cross sectional study was conducted on the records of 402 patients at the Eka Kotebe COVID-19 Center, St. Peter COVID-19 Care Center, and Millennium COVID-19 Treatment Center. The systematic random selection technique was employed in order to select the study unit, and data was extracted from patient charts using a pretested method and validated before being entered into Epi-data Manager 4.6 versions. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed using binary logistic regression in SPSS 25. In the multivariate logistic regression, a predictor variable was considered to have a significant connection if its p-value was less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence level. Results: four hundred and two patient records were reviewed during the study period and showed the mean patient´s age was 62.6 years, with male predominance. It revealed that 11.7% [CI: 8.7-15.2] of COVID-19 patients who received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation died, as being critical for COVID-19 patients was a main cause of noninvasive initiation. Patients over the age of 60 were more likely to die among those who received noninvasive ventilation for COVID-19 [AOR = 5.4 95% CI 1.32, 23.1]. Conversely, patients without diabetes were less likely to die [AOR = 0.23 95% CI 0.11, 0.48]. Moreover, patients with a tidal volume greater than 500 ml were more likely to pass away [AOR =2.2 95% CI 1.11,4.43], as were those who were on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for more than 8 days [AOR = 0.24 95% CI.08, 0.81]. Conclusion: the significance of patients who were given non-invasive ventilators ended up dying. Age, diabetes, and high tidal volumes are linked to a higher risk of death. Non-invasive ventilation for over eight days showed a protective effect. Removing factors that caused NIV and ventilated COVID-19 patients' deaths may reduce mortality.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a multicentre cross-sectional survey in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction: effective COVID-19 vaccines for the prevention of severe illness have been available for more than one year now. This study was carried out to ascertain vaccine hesitancy and its associations among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Port Harcourt, a large cosmopolitan town in Nigeria. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional online survey over 2 months among consenting pregnant women receiving antenatal care in the 3 largest obstetric service centers in Port Harcourt to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associations. Results: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 669 (72.2%). Of the respondents, 27 (2.9%) had been infected or had a close family member infected with SARS-CoV-2, and 897 (96.8%) of them had heard of the COVID-19 vaccine; however, only 133 (14.4%) had been vaccinated against COVID-19. The safety of the mother in 260 (32.8%) and the safety of the unborn baby in 114 (14.4%) of the respondents were the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. A small proportion of women 7(0.9%) were hesitant on religious grounds. Tertiary education, use of childhood immunization for previous infants delivered, and availability of COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic at no cost to the women, were statistically significant predictors of vaccine uptake among the respondents. Conclusion: the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women in Port Harcourt was 72.2%. Higher academic achievement and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the antenatal clinic were predictors of vaccine uptake, while reasons for hesitancy were mostly due to safety concerns for the mother and unborn baby.

The COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa: The significance of presumed immune sufficiency

A novel coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in China in 2019 and later ignited a global pandemic. Contrary to expectations, the effect of the pandemic was not as devastating to Africa and its young population compared to the rest of the world. To provide insight into the possible reasons for the presumed immune sufficiency to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Africa, this review critically examines literature published from 2020 onwards on the dynamics of COVID-19 infection and immunity and how other prevalent infectious diseases in Africa might have influenced the outcome of COVID-19. Studies characterising the immune response in patients with COVID-19 show that the correlates of protection in infected individuals are T-cell responses against the SARSCoV-2 spike protein and neutralising titres of immunoglobin G and immunoglobin A antibodies. In some other studies, substantial pre-existing T-cell reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 was detected in many people from diverse geographical locations without a history of exposure. Certain studies also suggest that innate immune memory, which offers protection against reinfection with the same or another pathogen, might influence the severity of COVID-19. In addition, an initial analysis of epidemiological data showed that COVID-19 cases were not severe in some countries that implemented universal Bacillus Calmette­Guerin (BCG) vaccination policies, thus supporting the potential of BCG vaccination to boost innate immunity. The high burden of infectious diseases and the extensive vaccination campaigns previously conducted in Africa could have induced specific and non-specific protective immunity to infectious pathogens in Africans.

Prevalence of COVID-19 at the Wahgnion-Gold mining site in Burkina Faso and use of RT-PCR initial cycle threshold to monitor the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 load

Background: To control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is necessary to adequately identify and isolate infectious patients particularly at the work place. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay is the recommended confirmatory method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in Burkina Faso and to use the initial cycle threshold (Ct) values of RT-PCR as a tool to monitor the dynamics of the viral load. Methodology: Between September 2021 and February 2022, oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal swab samples of consecutively selected COVID-19 symptomatic and apparently healthy workers from the Wahgnion mining site in the South-western Burkina Faso who consented to the study were collected according to the two weeks shift program and tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR assay. Patients positive for the virus were followed-up weekly until tests were negative. Association of the initial RT-PCR Ct values with disease duration was assessed by adjusted linear regression approach. Two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1506 (92.9% males) participants were recruited into the study, with mean age and age range of 37.18.7 and 18-68 years respectively. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 14.3% (216/1506). Of the 82 patients included in the follow-up study, the longest duration of positive RT-PCR test, from the first positive to the first of the two negative RT-PCR tests, was 33 days (mean 11.6 days, median 10 days, interquartile range 8- 14 days). The initial Ct values significantly correlated with the duration of RT-PCR positivity (with ß=-0.54, standard error=0.09 for N gene, and ß=-0.44, standard error=0.09 for ORF1ab gene, p<0.001). Participants with higher Ct values corresponding to lower viral loads had shorter viral clearance time than those of lower Ct values or higher viral loads. Conclusion: Approximately 1 out of 7 tested miners had SARS-CoV-2 infection and the duration of their RT-PCR tests positivity independently correlated with the initial viral load measured by initial Ct values. As participants with lower initial Ct values tended to have longer disease duration, initial RT-PCR Ct values could be used to guide COVID-19 patient quarantine duration particularly at the work place.

Contexte: Pour contrôler la propagation de la maladie à coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) causée par le syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère coronavirus-2 (SRAS-CoV-2), il est nécessaire d'identifier et d'isoler de manière adéquate les patients infectieux, en particulier sur le lieu de travail. Le test de réaction en chaîne par polymérase en temps réel (RT-PCR) est la méthode de confirmation recommandée pour le diagnostic de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 au Burkina Faso et d'utiliser les valeurs du seuil initial du cycle (Ct) de la RT-PCR comme outil de suivi de la dynamique de la charge virale. Méthodologie: Entre septembre 2021 et février 2022, des écouvillonnages oropharyngés et/ou nasopharyngés de travailleurs symptomatiques COVID-19 et apparemment en bonne santé sélectionnés consécutivement du site minier de Wahgnion dans le sud-ouest du Burkina Faso qui ont consenti à l'étude ont été prélevés selon les deux programme de quart de semaines et testé pour le SRAS-CoV-2 à l'aide d'un test RT-PCR. Les patients positifs pour le virus ont été suivis chaque semaine jusqu'à ce que les tests soient négatifs. L'association des valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR avec la durée de la maladie a été évaluée par une approche de régression linéaire ajustée. Une valeur p bilatérale < 0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. Résultats: Un total de 1506 participants (92,9% d'hommes) ont été recrutés dans l'étude, avec un âge moyen et une tranche d'âge de 37,1 à 8,7 ans et de 18 à 68 ans, respectivement. La prévalence globale de l'infection par le SRAS-CoV-2 était de 14,3% (216/1506). Sur les 82 patients inclus dans l'étude de suivi, la plus longue durée de test RT-PCR positif, du premier test positif au premier des deux tests RT-PCR négatifs, était de 33 jours (moyenne 11,6 jours, médiane 10 jours, intervalle interquartile 8-14 jours). Les valeurs Ct initiales étaient significativement corrélées à la durée de positivité de la RT-PCR (avec ß=-0,54, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène N et ß=-0,44, erreur standard=0,09 pour le gène ORF1ab, p<0,001). Les participants avec des valeurs de Ct plus élevées correspondant à des charges virales plus faibles avaient un temps de clairance virale plus court que ceux avec des valeurs de Ct plus basses ou des charges virales plus élevées. Conclusion: Environ 1 mineur testé sur 7 était infecté par le SRAS-CoV-2 et la durée de la positivité de ses tests RTPCR était indépendamment corrélée à la charge virale initiale mesurée par les valeurs Ct initiales. Comme les participants avec des valeurs Ct initiales inférieures avaient tendance à avoir une durée de maladie plus longue, les valeurs Ct initiales de la RT-PCR pourraient être utilisées pour guider la durée de la quarantaine des patients COVID19, en particulier sur le lieu de travail.

Determinants of time to viral clearance among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at Millennium COVID-19 care center in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study

Background: Understanding the COVID-19 disease course in terms of viral shedding is important to assist in providing a tailored isolation and treatment practice. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate time to viral clearance and identify determinants among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted among 360 randomly selected SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who were on follow up from 2nd June to 5th July 2020. Kaplan Meier plots, median survival times, and Log-rank test were used to describe the data and compare survival distribution between groups. Association between time to viral clearance and determinants was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard survival model, where hazard ratio, P-value, and 95% CI for hazard ratio were used for testing significance Results: The Median time to viral clearance was 16 days. The log-rank test shows that having moderate and severe disease, one or more symptoms at presentation, and presenting with respiratory and constitutional symptoms seems to extend the time needed to achieve viral clearance. The Final Cox regression result shows that the rate of achieving viral clearance among symptomatic patients was 44% lower than patients who were asymptomatic (AHR=0.560, 95% CI=0.322-0.975, p-value=0.040). Conclusions: Presence of symptoms was found to be associated with delayed viral clearance implying that symptomatic patients are more likely to be infectious and therefore, attention should be paid to the practices regarding isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Prevalence and seroprevalence of COVID-19 in suspected malaria during the second wave in Yaounde, Cameroon

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an additional burden in countries with already fragile health systems. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and seroprevalence of COVID-19 in suspected malaria during the second wave in Yaounde. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jordan Medical Services for 8 weeks from April 19 to June 13, 2021, i.e., during the second wave in Cameroon. For the 86 patients with suspected malaria, nasopharyngeal and blood samples were taken for SARS-CoV-2 antigen and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM using the STANDARD TM Q COVID-19 Ag kit from SD BIOSENSOR, Korea, 2020 and Standard TM Q COVID 19 Ac IgG/IgM kit from SD BIOSENSOR, Korea, 2020 respectively. Confirmation of malaria was done by microscopic examination of stained blood smears. Results. Malaria was confirmed in 20.9% (18) of cases. The prevalences of COVID-19 and COVID-19/malaria co-infection were 8.1% and 0.9% respectively. Of the 25.6% (54) of patients with anti-COVID-19 IgM, no positive microscopic cases were found. On the other hand, a little more than half of the patients had IgG antibodies against COVID-19 whether they had a positive thick drop or not (56.0% (42/75) and 52.2% (71/136) respectively). Conclusion. In case of suspicion of malaria in a malaria area, it seems important to consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis.

Introduction. La pandémie de la COVID-19 a ajouté un fardeau supplémentaire dans les pays aux systèmes de santé déjà fragiles. Objectif : déterminer la prévalence et la séroprévalence de la COVID-19 en cas de suspicion du paludisme au cours de la deuxième vagueà Yaoundé. Méthodologie. Une étude transversale descriptive a été menée au Centre Médical le Jourdain pendant 8 semaines du 19 Avril au 13 Juin 2021 soit durant la deuxième vague au Cameroun. Pour les 86 patients avec suspicion de paludisme, des prélèvements nasopharyngé et sanguins ont été réalisés pour la recherche d'antigène du SRAS- CoV 2 et des IgG et IgM anti-SARS-CoV-2 grâce aux kits STANDARDTM Q COVID-19 Ag de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 et StandardTM Q COVID 19 Ac IgG/IgM de SD BIOSENSOR, Corée, 2020 respectivement. La confirmation du paludisme a été faite grâce à l'examen microscopique des étalements de sang colorés. Résultats. Le paludisme était confirmé dans 20,9% (18) des cas. Les prévalences de la COVID-19 et de la coïnfection COVID19/Paludisme étaient de 8,1% et de 0,9% respectivement. Sur les 25,6% (54) des patients avec des IgM anti-COVID-19, aucun cas de microscopie positive n'a été retrouvé. Par ailleurs un peu plus de la moitié des patients avaient des anticorps IgG anti-COVID-19 qu'ils aient une goutte épaisse positive ou pas soit 56,0% (42/75) et 52,2% (71/136) respectivement. Conclusion. En cas de suspicion du paludisme en zone impaludée, il parait non négligeable de considérer la COVID-19 comme un diagnostic différentiel.

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality at a national tertiary referral treatment centre in Ghana: a retrospective analysis

Introduction: there is a substantial variation in COVID-19 case fatality rates across different locations, which may be due to differences in population age structure, patient factors, or health system factors. The study evaluated the clinical features and risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among confirmed cases at COVID-19 referral treatment centre. Methods: the study was a retrospective analysis of routine data of cases admitted and treated between March 2020 to March 2021 at Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: the overall mortality rate among this cohort of patients was 34.4%. Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older patients, non-insured, had a higher frequency of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and were more prone to suffer from a severe form of COVID-19 infection. Compared to survivors, non-survivors showed elevated levels of white blood cell count, platelets, higher heartbeat per minute and lower levels of haemoglobin, creatinine, and oxygen saturation. The independent risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in the national treatment centre were shorter stay of hospitalizations, having a heart disease, difficulty in breathing, increased in concentration of platelets, and creatinine. A 1% increase in oxygen saturation decreased a patient's likelihood of dying from COVID-19 by 29.0%. Conclusion: this study showed COVID-19 mortality was associated with a shorter stay in hospital, having heart disease, dyspnoea, elevated levels of platelets and creatinine, and decreased oxygen saturation. There is a need for awareness creation about these risk factors to clinicians and public health officials.

Aspects épidémio-cliniques des manifestations thrombotiques au cours de la COVID- 19 au sein des hôpitaux militaires de Libreville et d'Akanda, Gabon / Epidemiology and clinical aspects of thrombotic manifestations during COVID-19 at the military hospitals of Libreville and Akanda, Gabon

Décrire les aspects épidémio-cliniques des manifestations thrombotiques au cours de la COVID-19 au sein des hôpitaux militaires de Libreville et Akanda, Gabon. Méthodes : Nous avons mené une étude rétrospective et descriptive multicentrique d'une durée de 7 mois, du 01er septembre 2021 au 31 mars 2022, portant sur les patients admis dans les unités de réanimation des hôpitaux d'instruction des armées de Libreville (HIAOBO) et d'Akanda (HIAA), pour COVID-19 documentée ou suspectée. Résultats : Durant la période d'étude, 167 patients ont été́ admis pour infection à SARS-CoV-2, parmi lesquels, 18 ont présentés des manifestations thromboemboliques (10,8%). La moyenne d'âge était de 54,7±6.4 ans. Il y avait une large prédominance masculine avec un sexe ratio à 2. Nous avons noté́ 9 cas d'embolie pulmonaire (50%), 5 cas d'accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques (28%), 1 cas de thrombose veineuse profonde de membre inferieur (6%), 1 cas de thrombose veineuse cérébrale (6%), 1 cas de thrombose de la veine mésentérique (6%) et 1 cas de thrombose de la veine porte (6%). Les D-dimères étaient élevés chez tous les patients. Les globules blancs étaient élevés (>10000/mm3 ) chez 12 patients (67%). Les plaquettes étaient inférieures à 150000/mm3 pour 6 patients (33%). Tous les patients avaient une pneumonie à SARS-CoV-2 et la moyenne d'atteinte deslésions pulmonaires était estimée à 45%. Neuf patients étaient décédés (50%) au cours de l'hospitalisation. Conclusion : L'infection par le SARS-CoV-2 constitue vraisemblablement une prédisposition à la survenue d'un événement thrombotique. L'incidence des manifestations thrombotiques chez les patients atteints de COVID-19 reste élevée, renforçant ainsi la prescription systématique d'une anticoagulation prophylactique

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on theatre use at the rahima moosa mother and child hospital

SARS-COV-2, the viral pathogen that resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, was first identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 31 December 2019. Efforts to curb the spread of this virus, as well as the effects of viral infections and resulting complications thereof, have placed immense strain on healthcare systems throughout the world. In South Africa, a nationwide lockdown was instituted on 27 March 2020 which resulted in the suspension of all elective surgical services. The effect of this suspension of services has not been fully elucidated, but it has been postulated that a significant surgical backlog may have been created due to limited resources and massive pre-existing patient loads. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive review of theatre records at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) for the time period 1 March 2019 to 28 February 2021. Results: A total of 8 176 cases amounting to 9 656 hours and 20 minutes of theatre time occurred from 1 March 2019 to 29 February 2020 (pre-COVID-19). From 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 (post-COVID-19), a total of 7 717 cases amounting to 9 148 hours and 2 minutes were conducted. This calculated to a 5.61% reduction in cases and a 5.26% reduction in theatre hours. There was a statistically significant reduction in theatre use both in terms of cases done and hours of theatre time after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced the number of cases completed at the RMMCH. It also led to a significant reduction in total theatre use. Both of these findings were most pronounced in elective gynaecology and paediatric surgery services. There was, however, no statistically significant increase in intensive care unit (ICU) and high care (HC) admissions as well as mortalities for the period studied

Effectiveness and impact of Covid-19 response and vaccination challenges in Namibia: a systematic review

Introduction: Namibia, as with many countries around the world is experiencing devastating impact of Covid-19 disease on the economy, psycho-social interactions, and well-being of the populace. These countries implemented several measures to limit the spread of the virus responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). Namibia also put measures in place to curtail the spread and fatalities due to the virus. However, the nature and implementation strategies of Public Health regulations seriously have impact on preventing the spread and curtailing fatalities arising from the virus. Objective: This article presents a report on the effectiveness and impact of Public Health measures instituted by the Health Authority towards curtailing the scourge of covid-19 on the general populace. Method: Elements of the PRISMA protocol was utilised in the review which enabled the synthesis of data on focused area. Multifaceted databases on covid19 such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, World Health Organisation and the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia (MoHSS) among others was used. Result: A steady increase in covid-19 infection at an average rate of eleven (11) per day was noted in the country up till June 2021. Highest rate was linked to densely populated regions of Erongo and Khomas. Control measures for infection prevention and vaccination drive was ineffective majorly as a result of misinformation. 3

Abrupt introduction of distance learning during the covid­19 pandemic: What psychological impact on teachers?

As soon as the COVID 19 , the Moroccan education ministry decided to adopt distance learning (DL). Our target was to study the psychological impact of DL on Moroccan teachers during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Among %, and the average age was 41.1±11.5 years. 79.1% participated in DL, 58.8% were required to acquire DL tools and 71.6% had never received DL training. Between the start and the end of confinement, we noticed a decrease in the motivation of teachers.36.2% had definite depressive symptomatology and 41.3% had certain anxiety symptomatology with a significant predominance in women. The frequencies of depression and anxiety were higher in those who had participated in DL, but the association was not significant. Depression was significantly frequent among teachers who were obliged to acquire tools to practice DL P=0.02, those who had never received training DL P=0.046, and those who were not satisfied with the situation P=0.03. We didn't find a direct association between DL and anxiety and depression, which the small sample size may explain, but we did find an association with the variables related to DL

High resolution chest computed tomography findings in patients with clinically suspected COVID-19 pneumonia in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Background: The alarming spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage of RT-PCR kits in Uganda necessitating the use of high-resolution chest Computed Tomography to guide patient management and treatment. Main Objective: To describe the chest HRCT findings in patients with clinically suspected COVID-19 pneumonia and to compare its diagnostic accuracy to RT-PCR. . Methods: In this cross-sectional study, chest HRCT findings of 384 patients and available RT-PCR laboratory results were reviewed and recorded in the data collection form. Results: The commonest chest HRCT findings were bilateral ground glass opacities (78.2%). Out of the 31.7% patients that took the PCR test only 26.9% tested positive. 16 out of 17 patients who tested negative, were classified under CORADS 5. The sensitivity of chest HRCT was 90.4%, 95% CI (82.6-95.5), positive predictive value of 84.2%, 95% CI (75.6-90.7), and accuracy of 77.5%, 95% CI (71.5-87.1). Conclusions: HRCT was found superior to RT-PCR in diagnosing COVID-19. A patient with positive HRCT findings should be treated as COVID 19 when RT-PCR is inaccessible or results are negative. A patient with negative HRCT requires complimentary RT-PCR and possibly follow up CT scans if symptoms persist before treating for COVID 19.

Performance of two SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection tests in resource limited settings, the case of Mali

Introduction: While real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is the recommended laboratory method to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, its use in resource limited settings can be difficult to maintain due to high testing demand and shortage of reagents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ in comparison to RT-PCR in a relatively low COVID-19 prevalence setting, Mali. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between January and April 2021 in Bamako and Kati regions to evaluate both rapid tests during a large SARS-CoV-2 prevalence study in Mali. Results: Of the 390 samples tested, the sensitivity and specificity of Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ were 57.1% (95%CI: 44.1-69.2), 95.8% (95%CI: 93.1-97.5); 61.9% (95%CI: 46.8-75.0), and 94.1% (95%CI: 89.5-96.8) respectively. Using RT-PCR, the global prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 14.4% (56/390). In both rapid antigen tests, the performance was better when used in suspected patients compared to positive patients under treatment. Moreover, higher viral loads equivalent to Ct < 25 were associated with better detection rates. Conclusion: While waiting for more complete data, these preliminary studies suggest that Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ should not be used alone for COVID-19 diagnosis in Mali.

Acute and subacute oral toxicity characterization and safety assessment of COVID organics® (Madagascar's Anti­COVID Herbal Tea) in animal models

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. No drug has been generally approved as safe and effective for the treatment of COVID 19. Several therapeutic agents such as COVID Organics® (CVO) have been explored as treatment options. CVO is an herbal tea composed of 62% of Artemisia annua and 38% of other plants. There is presently no existing scientific report and data on the safety and efficacy of CVO herbal drug. Thus, acute and subacute toxicity studies were undertaken to evaluate the safety and toxicity of CVO on short and long term usage in animal models. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical and nutritional compositions of CVO were determined using standard methods. Acute oral toxicity was investigated using female Swiss albino mice (three per group). While subacute oral toxicity was done using female and male Swiss albino rats (five per group). The animals were administered 2000 mg/kg, 5000 mg/kg, therapeutic dose; 5500 mg/kg and supratherapeutic dose; 11,000 mg/kg of CVO herbal product. The control group received water ad libitum. The oral toxicity studies were done in accordance with Organization for Economic Corporation and Development guidelines. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (Ethics No. IRB/17/043). Results: CVO is rich in antioxidants: flavonoids(10.3%), tannins(29.1%), and phenolics(434.4 mg). It contains proteins (33.8%), carbohydrates (34.5%), fat (6.8%), and fiber (0.5%). In the acute toxicity study, no mortality was recorded in all the treated and untreated groups. The lethal dose of CVO is >5000 mg/kg body weight. The hematological, biochemical, lipid profile, and histologic parameters were all normal at therapeutic doses when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The acute and subacute oral toxicity studies revealed that CVO is not toxic. The specific organ toxicity evaluations also indicated that CVO has no toxic effects on blood parameters and vital organs structure and function at therapeutic dose. Thus, CVO is safe for short and long term usage. We recommend that CVO should be subjected to efficacy studies to investigate whether it is effective for COVID 19 treatment as claimed by the manufacturer.

Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection in three geo-political zones of Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: sequel to the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its subsequent spread to all continents of the world, humans have continued to experience severe devastation to their health and economies. To control the spread of this virus, it is important to detect the infection in recently infected and asymptomatic individuals who are capable of infecting others. This study was designed to detect ongoing SARS-CoV-2 Infection among asymptomatic individuals in open markets across three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Methods: nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 2,158 study participants between December 20th, 2020 and March 20th, 2021 from large open markets across three geo-political zones (Southwest, Northwest and Southeast) of Nigeria. Virus RNA was extracted from these swab samples and real time RT-PCR was carried out for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific genes. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: a total of 163 (7.6%) of the 2,158 participants enrolled for the study tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. The rate of infection was significantly higher in the North-western states of the country when compared to the western and Eastern regions (P=0.000). Similarly, the rate of infection was higher among buyers than sellers (P=0.000) and among males when compared with females, though the difference was not significant (p=0.31). Conclusion: this study shows that there is a continuous spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially among active, asymptomatic individuals across many states in the country. There is therefore need to continuously educate citizens on the need to adhere to both the non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical preventive measures to protect themselves and ultimately curb the spread of the virus.

Test positivity and clinical presentation of COVID-19 in Mozambican infants hospitalized during the second wave of the pandemic in 2021

Introduction: during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mozambique, there was a surge in pediatric hospitalizations at a time when there was relatively little evidence, but significant concern about clinical outcomes in African children, particularly in higher-risk infants requiring, and health system capacity to respond. Methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted for patients 1-12 months of age admitted to the Breastfeeding ward at Hospital Central de Maputo from January-February 2021. All had routine SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing performed. For patients with positive results, hospital charts were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: of 209 patients that had SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing performed, 102 (48.8%) received results, of which 37 (36.3%) were positive. Positive results were received prior to discharge for 14 patients (37.8%). Median duration of hospitalization was 3 days. There were two deaths in COVID-positive patients (5.4%), both with complex comorbidities. For the 35 COVID-19 positive patients whose charts were located, the principal admission diagnosis was respiratory for 22 (62.9%), and 14 (40.0%) had oxygen saturation <94% at admission. The white blood cell count was >12.0 x 103cells/mL in 10 patients (28.6%) and the most common abnormal finding on chest radiograph was peribronchial thickening (38.5% of patients with results). Oxygen therapy was needed for 20 patients (57.1%). Conclusion: the majority of infants with COVID-19 had a mild, short-duration respiratory illness that did not exceed ward capacity for care, including oxygen treatment. Laboratory capacity for PCR testing was overwhelmed, delaying the return of results and complicating inpatient infection control measures.

Exploring key-stakeholder perceptions on non-communicable disease care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya

Introduction: over one third of total Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years lost in Kenya are due to non-communicable diseases (NCD). In response, the Government declared significant commitment towards improving NCD care. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden on the already overstretched health systems in Kenya. The aims of this study are to assess whether health care providers perceived NCD care to be optimal during the pandemic and explore how to improve responses to future emergencies. Methods: this cross-sectional online survey included healthcare personnel with non-clinical roles (public health workers and policy-makers) and those delivering health care (doctors and nurses). Respondents were recruited between May and September 2021 by random sampling, completed by snowball sampling. Results: among 236 participants (42% in clinical, 58% in non-clinical roles) there was an overall consensus between respondents on NCD care being disrupted and compromised during the pandemic in Kenya. Detracted supplies, funding, and technical resources affected the continuity of NCDs response, despite government efforts. Respondents agreed that the enhanced personnel capacity and competencies to manage COVID-19 patients were positive, but noted a lack of guidance for redirecting care for chronic diseases, and advocated for digital innovation as a solution. Conclusion: this paper explores the perceptions of key stakeholders involved in the management of NCDs in Kenya to improve planning for future emergency responses. Gaps were identified in health system response and preparedness capacity during the pandemic including the perceived need to strengthen NCD services, with solutions offered to guide resilience efforts to protect the health system from disruption.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single-centered study

Introduction: as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are distributed and administered globally, hesitancy towards the vaccine hinders the immunisation of a significant number of vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, this study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending clinicaloutpatient follow-up at State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri (SSHM), Borno State, Nigeria. Methods: a hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 344 PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the United States President´s Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) clinic in SSHM from 4 th January to 25th February 2022. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The results were presented using frequencies and percentages. The factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified using the Chi-square statistical test. Results: among the 344 respondents of the study, only 88 (26.6%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of the 256 respondents that did not receive the vaccine, only 10.5% (27/256) are willing to be vaccinated, while the majority; 57.8% (148/256) are not willing to be vaccinated and 31.7% (81/256) of the respondents are uncertain, thus resulting in a hesitation rate of 89.45%. There was no statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the study´s independent variables; where p-value is greater than 0.05. Conclusion: hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine is high among PLHIV and there is no any statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the independent variables of the study where p-value is greater than 0.05. Hence, it is necessary to develop targeted strategies to boost vaccine uptake among this vulnerable population.

Comparative efficacy and safety of anti-infective drugs for patients with mild to severe COVID-19: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Different anti-infecthe drugs have been proposedfor the treatment ofpatients with COVID-19. We carried out a network meta-analysis to assess their relath'e efficacy and safety. Methods: We searched relevant databases for all randomized controlled trials that reported the efficacy and or safety ofany anti-infective drugs published up to April 30, 2022 for different outcomes. We did both painvise and network meta-analysis with 95% confidence intervals using afixed-effect model. We assessed studies for quality of evidence using an extension of the standard Grading ofRecommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach considering P