Detection of Sars-Cov-2 in the population and wastewater of dourados semi-open penal institutions, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic exposed challenges for health authorities, especially among vulnerable groups such as inmates. This study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM in inmates of semi-open penal institutions in the Central-West region of Brazil, as well as viral RNA in wastewater from these institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted in male and female semi-open penal institutions in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between September 2022 and February 2023. The presence of anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies in plasma by rapid test, and virus RNA by RT–qPCR analysis of nasal and wastewater samples were investigated. Of the 225 inmates of the male penal unit, 12.4% (28) tested positive RT–qPCR test and/or reactive IgG and IgM. Of these, 57.1% were employed, and 81.2% engaged in activities outside the prison unit (p=0.002). The prevalence was 2.8 times higher among inmates who worked outside the penal institution. Among the 20 wastewater samples collected, 10% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Of the 14 inmates of the female penal unit, 21.4% (3) tested reactive IgG and IgM; all reported working, 66.6% (2) worked outside the penal unit; both used individual transportation. The wastewater sample was negative for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. We detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within penal institutions. Our findings may contribute to strengthening preventive medicine and controlling new outbreaks, using wastewater analysis as a relevant tool.

KEY WORDS: COVID-19 pandemic; inmate; wastewater-based epidemiological monitoring.