Transmission dynamics of Q fever in French Guiana: A population-based cross-sectional study
Résumé
Background: Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii which is among the major agents of community-acquired pneumonia in French Guiana. Despite its relatively high incidence, its epidemiology in French Guiana remains unclear, and all previous studies have considered transmission from livestock unlikely, suggesting that a wild reservoir is responsible for transmission.
Methods: A country-wide seroprevalence survey of 2697 participants from French Guiana was conducted. Serum samples were tested for phase II IgG antibodies by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFAs). Factors associated with Q fever were investigated, and a serocatalytic model was used to reconstruct the annual force of infection.
Findings: The overall weighted seroprevalence was estimated at 9.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.2%–11.0%). The model revealed constant, low-level circulation across French Guiana, particularly affecting middle-aged males (odds ratio (OR): 3.0, 95% credible interval (CrI): 1.7–5.8) and individuals living close to sheep farms (OR: 4, 95% CrI: 1.5–12). The overall annual number of cases was estimated at 579 (95% CrI: 492–670). In the region around Cayenne, the main urban municipality, the high seroprevalence was explained by an outbreak that may have occurred between 1996 and 2003 and that infected 10% (95% CrI: 6.9%–14%) of the population and males and females alike.
Interpretation: This study reveals for the first time Q fever dynamics of transmission and the role of domestic livestock in transmission in French Guiana and highlights the urgent need to reinforce Q fever surveillance in livestocks of the entire Guianese territory.
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Licence : CC BY NC ND - Paternité - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification
Licence : CC BY NC ND - Paternité - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification