Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
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 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Understanding the burden of infection of human populations in the surroundings of these endangered species is critical to assess the potential risk of spillover. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS‐CoV2 and 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 chain reaction (RT qPCR) at the Uganda Virus Research Institute. Demographic and behavioural data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via KoboToolbox. Data analysis was performed using Stata (version 16) with cross‐tabulation to generate descriptive statistics of demographic characteristics, self‐reported non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and SARS‐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 (
X
2
= 5.5,
p
= 0.02).
Conclusion
SARS‐CoV2 was present among communities surrounding the Bwindi–Mgahinga Conservation Area. Strengthening adherence to preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, is essential to reduce transmission risk within communities and potential spillover to endangered mountain gorillas.