ABSTRACT
BackgroundMany SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys since the end of 2020 have disqualified the first misconception that Africa had been spared by the pandemic. Through the analysis of three SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys carried out in Benin as part of the ARIACOV project, we argue that the integration of epidemiological serosurveillance of the SARS-COV2 infection in the national surveillance package would be of great use to refine the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. MethodsThree repeated cross-sectional surveys have been carried out in Benin, two in Cotonou, the economic capital in March and May 2021, and one in Natitingou, a semi-rural city in North in August 2021. The global and by age-groups weighted seroprevalences have been estimated and the risk factors of the infection by SARS-COV-2 have been assessed by using logistic regression. ResultsIn Cotonou, a slight increase in overall age-standardized SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence from 29.77% (95% CI: 23.12-37.41%) at the first survey to 34.86% (95% CI: 31.57-38.30%) at the second survey was observed. In Natitingou the global adjusted seroprevalence was 33.34% (95% CI: 27.75-39.44%), much higher than expected. Adults over 40 seemed to be more at risk than the youngest during the first survey in Cotonou but no longer in the second survey, showing the persistence of the SARS-COV-2 virus circulation outside the epidemic waves. ConclusionsA routine serological surveillance on strategic sentinel sites and / or populations could constitute a cost / effective compromise to better anticipate the onset of new waves and define public health strategies.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of poisoning in farmers using the erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) test before and after the exposure to pesticides in townships in central Benin (Glazoué and Savè) and to identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, we recruited 264 farm pesticide sprayers, who have been working for at least 5 years. They completed a questionnaire and underwent the AChE test using the Test-mate Model 400 device (EQM Research Inc.) with a photometric sensor, based on the works of Ellman. RESULTS: Organophosphate/pyrethroids were the most common pesticides used by at least 72.96% of the farmworkers. We observed an inhibition of AChE between pre-exposure and post-exposure (P = .002) for 60.61% of the farmworkers. Among them, 11.88% displayed more than 20% AChE inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Pesticide poisoning is a reality, and AChE monitoring is urgently needed for farmworker surveillance.
