SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ivory Coast: A Serosurveillance Survey among Gold Mine Workers

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Mar 18;104(5):1709-1712. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0081.

Abstract

Of the 107 million COVID-19 cases worldwide, less than 2 million have been reported in African countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ivory Coast mine workers. From July 15 to October 13, 2020, a voluntary serological test campaign was conducted in 3 sites: two gold mines, and the headquarters in Abidjan. Rapid tests to detect IgG and IgM on capillary blood were performed. To identify independent sociodemographic characteristics associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence rate, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 1,687 subjects were tested; 91% were male (n = 1,536), and the mean age was 37 years. The overall seroprevalence was 25.1% (n = 422), ranging between 13.6% (11.2-16.1%), 34.4% (31.1-37.7%), and 34.7% (26.2-43.2%) in mine A, in mine B, and in Abidjan, respectively. Among the 422 seropositive subjects, 74 reported mild symptoms in the three previous months and one was hospitalized for severe COVID-19 infection. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high in both gold miners and administrative staff working in Ivory Coast. The burden of infection in West Africa has probably been underestimated till now.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Africa, Western
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Gold
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Miners*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Gold