Seroprevalence and factors associated with CCHF virus infection in cattle and sheep in Mopti region (Mali)

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic arboviral disease caused by a virus of Bunyaviridae family, genus Orthonairovirus and transmitted by tick bite. The virus causes subclinical infection in animals and severe viral hemorrhagic disease, with a fatality rate of 10-40% in humans.Between January and February 2020, eighteen (18) human cases of CCHF including nine (9) deaths, were recorded in the health district of the Mopti region in Mali. The present study carried out to determine CCHF seroposivity in cattle and sheep and to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of antibodies in cattle and sheep in the Mopti region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a total of 200 cattle and sheep sampled in the localities of Konna and Mopti urban area. The double antigen sandwich ELISA technique allowed to establish a true overall seropositivity of 43.8% (95% CI: 36.9 - 50.6) including seropositivity of 40% (95 CI: 30.4 - 49.6) in Konna and 45.5% (95% CI: 35.2 - 54.8) in Sevare. According to species, seropositivity was 58.6% (95% CI: 48.3 - 67.7) in cattle and 27% (95% CI: 18.3 - 35.7) in sheep. Biostatistical analysis showed that cattle (OR=3.77; 95% CI: 2.07 - 6.87) were more likely to be seropositive compared than in sheep. This study demonstrates the circulation of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in domestic animals and the need to conduct joint actions according to the “One Health” approach involving different sectors (animal, human and environmental) for a better control of this zoonosis in Mali.