Prevalence of SARS-CoV2 in Communities Surrounding Bwindi–Mgahinga Mountain Gorilla Conservation Area, Uganda

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Mountain gorillas are endangered primates that share approximately 99% of their DNA with humans. Consequently,they may be susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), the virus that causescoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Understanding the burden of infection of human populations in the surroundings of theseendangered species is critical to assess the potential risk of spillover. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV2and its associated risk factors in communities surrounding the Bwindi–Mgahinga Conservation Area in Uganda.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 576 participants from the districts of Kanungu, Kisoro and Rubanda.Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and analysed using real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chainreaction (RT qPCR) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. Demographic and behavioural data were collected using a structuredquestionnaire administered via KoboToolbox. Data analysis was performed using Stata (version 16) with cross-tabulationto generate descriptive statistics of demographic characteristics, self-reported non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) andSARS-CoV2-specific RNA status.Results: The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV2 was 8.0%. Prevalence was highest in Kanungu (10.7%), followed by Kisoro (6.1%)and Rubanda (5.0%). Washing hands often was the only self-reported NPI associated with SARS-CoV2 prevalence (X2 = 5.5,p = 0.02).Conclusion: SARS-CoV2 was present among communities surrounding the Bwindi–Mgahinga Conservation Area. Strengtheningadherence to preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, is essential to reduce transmission risk within communities and potentialspillover to endangered mountain gorillas.