Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2026

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples
Published on: June 30, 2023
Prevalence of SARS-CoV2 in Communities Surrounding Bwindi-Mgahinga Mountain Gorilla Conservation Area, Uganda
Joseph M Kungu1, Joan Neumbe2, Dan Brian Kiganira1
1College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity Makerere University Kampala Uganda.
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.
More Related Videos
07:13Swabbing the Urban Environment - A Pipeline for Sampling and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 From Environmental Reservoirs
Published on: April 9, 2021
08:41Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...