Peri-urban schools of Kinshasa before and during COVID-19: an evaluation of water, handwashing facilities, and girl students' hand hygiene practices

The COVID-19 pandemic has led communities, including Kinshasa peri-urban schools, to reinforce WASH-related practices as a key com-ponent in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the institutional and behavioural changes in adolescent girl students' handwashing practices before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was performed, observing the hand hygiene of adolescent girl students, and assessing WASH facilities at schools, chosen from a sample previously selected in the study area. The results indicate significant increases in the prevalence of water points in schools from 10.9 to 22.5%, of handwashing facilities from 43 to 60.1% of schools with an average number of handwashing facilities from one to two, and the prevalence of school WASH brigades from 4.8 to 11.8% of schools. There was also a significant increase in schools receiving funds, and other support for WASH, respectively, from 24.9 to 70.3%, and from 17 to 45.9%, while the proportion of adolescent girl students washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating significantly increased from 6 to 28.4%. However, to improve the current WASH picture, and succeed in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and related impacts, additional efforts to enhance handwashing practice and WASH items' coverage are expected. © 2023 The Authors.

Incidence Rate of Covid-19 Hemodialysis Unit Admission among Congolese Patients: Experience during the First 4 Waves of the Pandemic

Introduction: A hemodialysis unit had been installed at the COVID-19 treatment center of the Kinshasa University Hospital (CTCO/KUH) for COVID-19 patients with acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (AKI-3D) and chronic hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 infection (CKD-5D). The aim of the study was to determine the incidence rate of hemodialysis unit admission, and to compare clinical profile and 45-day mortality between the two groups (G1= AKI 3-D, and G2= CKD-5D). Method(s): We underwent a retrospective cohort study using CTCO/KUH data involving the first 4 waves of the Covid-19 pandemic. The incidence rate was calculated based on the total number of cases of SARS-COV-2 infection diagnosed at the CTCO/KUH laboratory and the duration of each wave of the pandemic. The AKI-CKD diagnosis was defined according to KDIGO criteria. The endpoint was survival (time to death) assessed on day 45 starting from the first hemodialysis session at the CTCO/KUH. Dialysis was funded by government partners. Result(s): 2.254 cases of SARS-COV-2 infection and 835 hospitalizations for COVID-19 were recorded: 401/215 in the 1st wave (V1), 835/196 in V2, 508/245 in V3 and 510/178 to V4. Only 43 patients underwent hemodialysis (16 = 37% G1 and 27 = 63% G2). The incidence rate of COVID-19 hemodialysis unit admission was 8.7/ 1000 patient-months during V1 vs 1.9 in V2;4.5 in V3 and 4.7 in V4 (p=0.001). Mean age (58 +/- 13 years G1 vs 56+/-12 years G2, p=0.632) and clinical profile (men 63% vs 85%, p=0.093;diabetics 48% vs 44%, p=0.609;hypertensives 94% vs 89%, p=0.521;obeses 13% vs 7%, p=0.479) between the two groups (G1 vs G2) did not show any statistically significant difference. At Day 45 of follow-up, survival was 75% in G1 vs 89% in G2 (p=0.220). Conclusion(s): The incidence rate of hemodialysis unit admission related to COVID-19 patients was higher during the first wave of the pandemic. The clinical profile and outcome of COVID-19 patients on dialysis for AKI-3D seem comparable with CKD5-D patients. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023

SARS-CoV2 mutations and impact on mortality: observational study in a sub-saharan Africa hospital.

BACKGROUND: One year after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the focus of attention has shifted to the emergence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs). The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of VOCs in patients followed for COVID-19 at Kinshasa university hospital (KUH) during the 3rd and 4th waves of the pandemic in Kinshasa. Hospital mortality was compared to that of the first two waves. METHOD: The present study included all patients in whom the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The laboratory team sequenced a subset of all SARS-CoV-2 positive samples with high viral loads define as Ct < 25 to ensure the chances to generate complete genome sequence. RNA extraction was performed using the Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). Depending on the platform, we used the iVar bioinformatics or artic environments to generate consensus genomes from the raw sequencing output in FASTQ format. RESULTS: During the study period, the original strain of the virus was no longer circulating. The Delta VOC was predominant from June (92%) until November 2021 (3rd wave). The Omicron VOC, which appeared in December 2021, became largely predominant one month later (96%) corresponding the 4th wave. In-hospital mortality associated with COVID-19 fell during the 2nd wave (7% vs. 21% 1st wave), had risen during the 3rd (16%) wave before falling again during the 4th wave (7%) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Delta (during the 3rd wave) and Omicron VOCs (during the 4th wave) were very predominant among patients followed for Covid-19 in our hospital. Contrary to data in the general population, hospital mortality associated with severe and critical forms of COVID-19 had increased during the 3rd wave of the pandemic in Kinshasa.

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence after Second COVID-19 Wave (October 2020-April 2021), Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Serologic surveys are important tools for estimating the true burden of COVID-19 in a given population. After the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections, a household-based survey conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, estimated >292 infections going undiagnosed for every laboratory-confirmed case. To ascertain the cumulative population exposure in Kinshasa after the second wave of COVID-19, we conducted a prospective population-based cross-sectional study using a highly sensitive and specific ELISA kit. The survey included 2,560 consenting persons from 585 households; 55% were female and 45% male. The overall population-weighted, test kit-adjusted SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 76.5% (95% CI 74.5%-78.5%). The seroprevalence was 4-fold higher than during the first wave, and positivity was associated with age, household average monthly income, and level of education. Evidence generated from this population-based survey can inform COVID-19 response, especially vaccination campaign strategies in the context of vaccine shortages and hesitancy.

Are COVID-19's restrictive measures associated with people's quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Background: The spread of COVID-19 and the economic repercussions of several restrictive measures have worsened the lives of the Congolese and caused panic, fear, and anxiety. No study has yet examined the effect COVID-19's restrictive measures had on the quality of life in the Congo. Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine if the restrictive measures of COVID-19 are associated with the quality of life and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Kinshasa. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seventeen Kinshasa municipalities. N=100 adults over the age of 18 were recruited (41 females, 58 males and 1 prefer not). Social Contacts Assessment (SCA), Time Use Survey (TUS), Manchester Short Assessment of quality of life (MANSA), Health status EQ-5D-3L, UCLA Loneliness Scale; Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and COVID-19 related questions were utilized. We conducted descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. Results: suggest that depression and anxiety are more prevalent (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 9.1 (SD=6.8) and 8.5 (SD=6.1) respectively). Negative associations were found between the quality of life and living alone (B=-0.35, p=0.05) and mental health decline due to COVID- 19 (B=-0.30, p=0.04). Those who described themselves as less lonely reported a higher quality of life (B=0.34, p=0.03). Conclusions: Living alone is associated with a lower quality of life. This study fills a gap in the literature on public health in the DRC and low- and middle-income countries.

COVID-19-INDUCED IMMUNOSUPPRESSION LEADING TO SECONDARY INFECTION AS DISSEMINATED COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

SESSION TITLE: Post-COVID-19 Infection Complications SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis caused by the fungi C. immitis and C. Posadasii is well known to be endemic to the Southwest United States. Less than 1% of these infections will manifest as extrapulmonary symptoms and multiple sites causing dissemination fungemia [1]. Risk factors for disseminated infection include exogenous immunosuppression, immunodeficiency, pregnancy, and ethnic backgrounds of African and Filipino descent [2]. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old previously immunocompetent Congolese male with recent onset of recurrent skin abscess, and positive testing for COVID-19 three week prior (not treated with steroids). He presents with shortness of breath, back pain, fevers after recently migrating from the Southwest region to the Midwest. Upon admission imaging with Computed Tomography (CT) revealed extensive pulmonary infiltrates (Fig 1), intra-abdominal abscesses, and magnetic resonance imaging revealing (MRI) osteomyelitis of the thoracic (Fig 2) and lumbar spine (Fig 3). His work of breathing continued to worsen, requiring prompt intubation, and he was initiated on a broad-spectrum antimicrobial regimen, including fluconazole, voriconazole, cefepime and vancomycin. Immunoglobulins, HIV and oxidative burst testing was unremarkable. Cultures from image-guided aspiration of the psoas abscess, incision, and drainages of skin abscess and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were all positive for coccidioidomycosis, transitioned to amphotericin B. Course complicated with the development of multidrug-resistance pseudomonas aerogenes VAP treated with inhaled tobramycin and meropenem. He developed progressive acute respiratory distress syndrome with refractory hypoxemia. After 3 weeks of antimicrobial and anti-fungal treatment, a decision was made to transfer the patient to a lung transplant center, however, due to ongoing fungemia, he was deemed to be not a candidate for extracorporeal membrane exchange and lung transplantation. About a month into his hospitalization, the family decided to withdraw care. DISCUSSION: Reactivation of latent coccidiomycosis has been largely studied in the immunosuppressed population that includes HIV, hematological malignancies, and diabetes mellitus, however little is known about this fungal infection in the immunosuppressed state in the setting of COVID-19. Thus far only two case reports have been reported of co-infection if COVID-19 and pulmonary coccidioidomycosis [3]. The days of the COVID-19 pandemic might contribute to further delays in diagnosing this fungal infection due to similarities of pulmonary manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates a COVID-19 infection leading to an immunosuppressed status resulting in disseminated infection from reactivation of latent coccidiomycosis. As a result, physicians must maintain a high level of suspicion for superimposed fungal infections in those with even relative immunosuppression from a recent COVID infection. Reference #1: Odio CD, Marciano BE, Galgiani JN, Holland SM. Risk Factors for Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis, United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2017;23(2):308-311. doi:10.3201/eid2302.160505 Reference #2: Hector RF, Laniado-Laborin R. Coccidioidomycosis–a fungal disease of the Americas. PLoS Med. 2005;2(1):e2. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.0020002 Reference #3: Shah AS, Heidari A, Civelli VF, et al. The Coincidence of 2 Epidemics, Coccidioidomycosis and SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report. Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports. January 2020. doi:10.1177/2324709620930540 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Stephen Doyle No relevant relationships by Connor McCalmon No relevant relationships by John Parent No relevant relationships by Jay Patel No relevant relationships by Angela Peraino No relevant relationships by Keval Ray

Factors associated with death in COVID-19 patients over 60 years of age at Kinshasa University Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Introduction: the objectives of the present study were to determine the mortality rate in patients over 60 years of age with COVID-19 and to identify risk factors. Methods: the present historical cohort study took place at the Kinshasa University Hospital (KUH), DRC. Older patients admitted from March 2020 to May 2021 and diagnosed COVID-19 positive at the laboratory were selected. The relationship between clinical and biological risk factors, treatment, and in-hospital mortality was modeled using Cox regression. Results: of two hundred and twenty-two patients at least 60 years old, 97 died, for a mortality rate of 43.69%. The median age was 70 years (64-74) with extremes of 60 to 88 years. Low oxygen saturation of < 90% (aHR 1.69; 95% CI [1.03-2.77]; p=0.038) was an independent predictor of mortality. The risk of death was reduced with corticosteroid use (aHR 0.54; 95% CI [0.40-0.75]; p=0.01) and anticoagulant treatment (aHR 0.53; 95% CI [0.38-0.73]; p=0.01). Conclusion: mortality was high in seniors during COVID-19 and low oxygen saturation on admission was a risk factor for mortality. Corticosteroid therapy and anticoagulation were protective factors. These should be considered in management to reduce mortality.

[Lesions on CT scan in patients hospitalized for coronavirus pneumonia during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the University Clinics in Kinshasa (DRC)]. / Lésions tomodensitométriques chez les patients hospitalisés pour pneumonie à COVID-19 lors de la première vague de la pandémie à SARS-CoV-2 aux Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa (RDC).

INTRODUCTION: the main purpose of this study is to describe chest computed tomography (CT) findings in 26 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the University Clinics in Kinshasa (UCK). METHODS: we conducted a descriptive study of chest CT findings in 26 patients hospitalized with coronavirus pneumonia at the UCK over a 9-month period, from March 17 to November 17, 2020. Hitachi - CT-scanner 16 slice was used in all our patients. After analyzing lesions, these were divided into lesions suggestive and non-suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: the average age of patients was 53.02 years. Male sex was the most affected (76.9%). Respiratory distress was the most common clinical symptom (61.5%). Arterial hypertension and renal failure were the most common comorbidities (3O% and 6%). Bilateral ground-glass opacities, with a predominantly peripheral distribution, accounted for 69.2% of cases, followed by condensations (57.7%) and crazy paving (19.2%). Severe COVID-19 was most frequently found (34.61%). Distal and proximal pulmonary embolism was the most common complication (11.5%). Among the associated diseases, pleurisy and pulmonary PAH were most frequently found (30.8%). The majority of our patients had parenchymal lung lesions, corresponding to early-stage disease on CT (50%). CONCLUSION: at the UCK, during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, lesions on CT suggestive of COVID-19 were dominated by plaque-like ground-glass opacities, followed by nonsystematized parenchymatous condensations and crazy paving. The less observed atypical lesions consisted of unilateral, peribronchovascular pseudo-nodular condensations and infection in the remodeled lung. Severe COVID-19 was the most common CT finding. Proximal and distal pulmonary embolism was the most common complication. This study highlights that these findings are consistent with those reported in the literature.

Psychological Consequence of the Corona Virus Disease Pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the mental health of the population, but data on its impact in developing countries are lacking. The purpose of this study is to assess the psychological aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of Kinshasa. METHODS: This cross-sectional and analytical study included 456 randomly selected respondents in the Ngafani district of the municipality of Selembao during the period from August 1 to October 30, 2020. Socio-demographic data, and data concerning COVID-19 and its impact on mental health, were studied. Anxiety and depression were studied using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The two genders were represented in equal proportions; the patients had a mean age of 40.4±17.2 years with a high frequency of patients aged over 50 years. All had agreed to observe social distancing, but only 36.8% had accepted isolation. Using the HADS, 47.4% had a doubtful anxiety state and 23.7% had a definite anxiety state; 36.8% had a doubtful depressive state and 25% had a definite depressive state. Old age (≥50 years), female gender, lack of occupation, and isolation were independent determinants associated with anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: The frequency of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. Older age, female gender, lack of a profession, and isolation were associated with anxiety and depression.