Leptospirosis seroprevalence and risk factors among slaughterhouse workers in Burkina Faso.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of leptospirosis among slaughterhouse workers in Burkina Faso.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional survey of slaughterhouse workers from Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso between March and April 2021. Blood was collected by venipuncture and serum samples were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microscopic agglutination test. Questionnaires were used to collect information from these workers on sociodemographic characteristics, work activities, knowledge of zoonosis, and risky behaviors.

RESULTS

Of the 172 subjects investigated, 28 (16.28%) were found seropositive for leptospirosis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or microscopic agglutination test. The main Leptospira infecting serogroup were Mini, Autumnalis, Canicola, Copenhageni, L. mayottensis (ND), Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes/Tarassovi (cross reaction), Panama, and Ballum. Risk factors according to multivariate analysis, included residence (P = 0.02), working at the bleeding station (P = 0.03), contact with feces and urine (P = 0.04), and the practice of agriculture outside the slaughterhouse (P = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that a significant proportion of slaughterhouse workers are being exposed to pathogenic Leptospira. Public-health interventions against leptospirosis will need to target this occupational group. Proper personal protective equipment and information about the disease should be disseminated among slaughterhouses.