Circulation of Human Coronaviruses in SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza-negative patients with respiratory infections during Ghana's 2021 COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of human coronaviruses among persons presenting with respiratory symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: Outpatients and inpatients with respiratory tract infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Participants: A total of 350 samples were collected from persons presenting with respiratory symptoms between July and December 2021. These samples were previously tested and confirmed negative for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.

Intervention: None.

Main outcome: It was expected that human coronaviruses (HCoVs) 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 would be detected among SARS-CoV-2 and influenza-negative patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

Results: Of the 350 samples analysed, HCoVs were detected in 123 (35%). Among these, 83% (102/123) were from outpatients, with 17% (21/123) from inpatients. The distribution of specific HCoVs was as follows: 22% (78/350) tested positive for NL63, 5% (18/350) for OC43, 4% (14/350) for HKU1, and 4% (13/350) for 229E. The highest detection rate was observed in the 15-24-year age group, accounting for 46% (56/123) of positive cases, followed by the 25-44-year group at 29% (36/123). The lowest detection rate was noted in infants under 1 year old. Additionally, eight cases (2%) showed co-detections of different HCoVs, with NL63 co-infections being the most common.

Conclusion: HCoVs 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1 were prevalent in our study population. This study underscores the importance of differential diagnoses for respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.

Funding: This study was funded by a fellowship from the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC/2021/0009).