ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The sero-epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Mali are not yet well understood. This study assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and factors associated with antibody responses in the general population of Bamako, the capital city and epicenter of COVID-19, to assess the magnitude of the pandemic and contribute to control strategy improvements in Mali. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2022 to collect sociodemographic information, clinical characteristics, comorbid factors, and blood samples. ELISA was performed to determine anti-Spike (anti-S) and anti-RBD antibody levels. A total of 3601 participants were enrolled in REDCap. R-Studio was used for the statistical analysis. The chi-squared (χ2) test was used to compare the proportions across different groups. Logistic regression models were used to elucidate factors associated with antibody responses. RESULT: The sex ratio for female-to-male was 3.6:1. The most representative groups were the 20-29-year-olds (28.9%, n = 1043) and the 30-39-year-olds (26.9%, n = 967). The COVID-19 vaccine coverage among the participants was 35.8%, with vaccines from Covishield AstraZeneca (13.4%), Johnson & Johnson (16.7%), Sinovac (3.9%), and BioNTech Pfizer (1.8%). Overall, S protein and RBD antibody seroprevalences were remarkably high in the study population (98% and 97%, respectively). Factors such as youth (1-9 years old) and male sex were associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses, whereas COVID-19 vaccinations were associated with increased antibody responses. CONCLUSION: This serosurvey demonstrated the high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and highlighted the factors influencing antibody responses, while clearly underlining an underestimation of the pandemic in Mali.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Mali/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Male , Female , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/immunology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Adult , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Child , Aged , Child, Preschool , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , InfantABSTRACT
In Mali, small ruminants (SRs) are an important means for enhanced livelihood through income generation, especially for women and youth. Unfortunately, opportunities for livestock farmers to tap into these resources for economic growth are hindered by high burden of endemic diseases such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR). A key component for the control of PPR is vaccination of SRs. However, low participation of farmers to vaccination was identified by stakeholders of the livestock value chains as a key constraint to successful vaccination programs. This study was implemented in the framework of a project which aimed at improving the domestic ruminant livestock value chains in Mali by upscaling proven interventions in animal health, feeds and feeding and livestock marketing. The objectives of the study were to review the context of livestock vaccination in Mali and evaluate the impact of innovation platforms (IP) as a means for engaging stakeholders in the vaccination process. Desk review, key informant interviews (KII) and net-mapping were used to understand the context of livestock vaccination, while vaccination coverage and sero-monitoring together with group interviews were used to measure the impact of the intervention. IPs were created in 24 communes in three regions: 15 IPs in Sikasso, 4 IPs in Mopti and 5 IPs in Timbuktu. They developed work plans and implemented activities focusing on improving interaction among key vaccine chain delivery stakeholders such as farmers, private veterinarians, vaccine manufacturers, local leaders and public veterinary services; involving them in the planning, implementation and evaluation of vaccination programs and fostering knowledge sharing, communication and capacity building. After 2 years of implementation of IPs, vaccination coverage for SRs increased significantly in target communes. During the first year, seroprevalence rate for PPR increased from 57% (CI95: 54-60%) at baseline to 70% (CI95: 67-73%) post-vaccination in Sikasso region, while in Mopti region, seroprevalence increased from 51% (CI95: 47-55%) at baseline to 57% (CI85: 53-61%) post-vaccination. Stakeholder engagement in the vaccination process through facilitated IPs was successful in fostering participation of farmers to vaccination. However, a sustainable vaccination strategy for Mali would benefit from consolidating the IP model, supported by Government investment to strengthen and adjust the underlying public-private-partnership.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of Ramadan fast on appetite sensations, nutritional intakes and body weight in Malians with type 2 diabetes. Appetite sensations were assessed before Ramadan and then at the second, ninth, and sixteenth days of Ramadan (period). A total of 24 subjects recorded their appetite sensations every 2 h between 0800 and 2200 h using visual analogue scales. Daily energy intakes were estimated by a 48-h food recall (before and during Ramadan). Results showed a significant sex effect for desire to eat (p < 0.04) and a significant period effect for desire to eat and fullness (p < 0.01). Significant sex by period interactions were observed for fullness (p < 0.001), desire to eat (p < 0.01), and prospective food consumption (p < 0.03). Moreover, significant sex by period by time interactions were found for all appetite sensations (p < 0.007). Interaction effects were mainly explained by sex differences in appetite sensations before rather than during Ramadan. Although a significant body weight loss was observed in men and a significant decrease in waist circumference was found in women (p < 0.05), no significant changes in reported average daily energy intakes were observed in either men or women. According to these preliminary results, Ramadan fasting has an impact on appetite sensations that is probably not the same in men and women.
