Sero-prevalence of respiratory viruses in captive chimpanzees and caretakers and assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices at Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Viral zoonotic infections leading to viral human-borne respiratory infections threaten humans and great apes’ survival. This study investigated the seroprevalence of respiratory viruses in captive chimpanzees and their caretakers. It further aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding viral respiratory infections in primate keepers and the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to November 2022. We analysed serum from 48 chimpanzees and 24 primates’ caretakers at LPRC for IgG antibodies to RSV, hMPV, SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A and B. All tested sera showed reactivity for IgG antibodies against these respiratory viruses at different rates. Notable seropositivity rates in chimpanzees were RSV (52.1%) and Influenza B (95.8%), while in humans, Influenza A and B had 100% prevalence. Infants' chimpanzees exhibited higher RSV (40%) and SARS-CoV-2 (44.4%) seropositivity, while juveniles showed higher Influenza A (55%) and Influenza B (45.7%) prevalence. A total of 333 individuals, including 176 females and 157 males, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, with 89.5% being from the community and 10.5% being caretakers at the LPRC. More than half of the surveyed individuals, 59.5% had poor knowledge, contrasting with positive attitudes (98.5%) and practices (92.5%) toward respiratory diseases. No association was found between anti-IgG seropositivity and knowledge, attitudes, and practice levels among selected respondents. The study findings reveal captive chimpanzees and caretakers’ exposition to respiratory viruses, suggesting potential cross-transmission and outbreak risks of viral respiratory diseases. The limited knowledge about respiratory viruses among respondents underscores the importance of public health education to mitigate the risk of continued disease transmission in both human and chimpanzee populations. From the findings, immediate interventions are recommended, including protocol updates, enhanced sensitization, and routine health monitoring for early disease detection and management, particularly focusing on improving hygiene and sanitation among chimpanzees and caretakers and fostering community engagement.