Risk factors for zaire ebolavirus-specific IgG in rural gabonese populations

Abstract

Background. In Gabon, several Ebolavirus outbreaks have occurred exclusively in the northeastern region. We conducted a large serosurvey to identify areas and populations at risk and potential demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors. Methods. Blood samples and clinical and sociodemographic data were collected from 4349 adults and 362 children in a random sample of 220 villages in the 9 provinces of Gabon. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV)-specific IgG, and thin blood smears were used to detect parasites. Logistic regression was implemented using Stata software (Stata), and a probability level of