Seroprevalence of Q-fever in febrile individuals in Mali

Abstract

Objectives: We conducted a serological survey for Q-fever among febrile patients in Bamako and Mopti (Mali) and investigated the main risk factors for seroconversion.

Methods: Blood samples from 156 febrile patients were collected in healthcare facilities of Bamako and Mopti and examined with the microimmunofluorescence test.

Results: Forty per cent (n = 63) were seropositive for Q-fever, 28% in Bamako and 51% in Mopti. A more recent infection was suspected in 9.5% (n = 6) of all seropositive patients. This is the first time that Q-fever seropositivity is reported in febrile individuals in Mali. The patients' symptoms and diagnoses spanned a wide range of conditions; none had been diagnosed with Q fever by their treating physician. No risk factors for seropositivity could be identified with the exception of the city of residence and none could be identified with a logistic regression model with 'city' taken as random effect.

Conclusion: A high rate of seropositivity to C. burnetii was found among febrile urban patients in Mali but no risk factors for seropositivity could be identified in this study.