Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Leptospirosis among Slaughtered Cattle and Abattoir Workers in Ngaoundéré, Cameroon

Aims: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughtered cattle and abattoir workers at the Ngaoundéré Municipal Abattoir, Adamawa region, Cameroon.

Study Design: 10% of the average number of cattle slaughtered in the abattoir within the one month visitation period was randomly chosen and evaluated. And 96 of 108 human sera were randomly selected and screened for the presence of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies.

Place and Duration of Study: Municipal abattoir Ngaoundéré and Veterinary Research Laboratory of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Wakwa Regional Center, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon, between March and June 2018.

Methodology: A total of 172 bovine and 96 human serum samples were screened for the detection of Leptospira spp antibodies by Lepto ELISA kit. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographics and risk-factors.

Results: The results showed that 18.02% (95% CI (4.7 – 33.34)) of the animals slaughtered were seropositive to Leptospira spp hardjo antibody. Though sex did seem to influence (P>0.05) leptospira seropositivity, age and body condition score were major (P<0.05) risk factors. A seroprevalence of 10.42% CI (4.30-16.52) was observed among the abattoir personnel with the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves significantly (P<0.05) influencing seropositivity.

Conclusion: Antibodies against Leptospira are prevalent among slaughtered cattle and workers in the Ngaoundéré municipal abattoir. This study reports the first evidence of human leptospirosis in Cameroon revealing real public health concern in the country. Public awareness campaigns and health education especially in agropastoral communities based on the One Health approach is essential to disseminate knowledge, associated risk factors and control measures of this occupational disease in Cameroon.