What does this research mean for the field?

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among unvaccinated medical students in Bamako, Mali is 18%, with a higher prevalence associated with increased hospital exposure levels. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Assess seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among unvaccinated medical students in Mali and evaluate the association with hospital exposure levels.

March 14, 2026BMC Infectious Diseases0 citationsOpen Access

SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in unvaccinated medical students, Bamako, Mali: a cross-sectional study by hospital exposure level

YCYacouba Cissoko DODramane Ouedraogo DCDjibril Mamadou Coulibaly

Puntos clave

Assess seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among unvaccinated medical students in Mali and evaluate the association with hospital exposure levels.
Conducted a cross-sectional study among 300 medical students from February to March 2022
Stratified participants by clinical exposure: first-year, externs, and interns
Collected blood samples to detect IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies using rapid diagnostic tests
Calculated relative risks of seropositivity based on exposure levels
Overall seroprevalence was 18%, varying by exposure level: 12% in first-year students, 17% in externs, and 25% in interns
Interns had approximately twofold higher risk of positive serology compared to first-year students
97.7% of seropositive individuals had neutralizing antibodies
High adherence to barrier measures did not significantly offset the risk associated with clinical exposure

Resumen

Medical students are a key group within the healthcare system, yet their risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly characterized in Mali. Understanding seroprevalence in this population is essential to inform infection control, vaccination strategies, and decisions regarding in-person training. To assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among unvaccinated medical students in Bamako, Mali, and to evaluate the association with hospital exposure levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2022 among 300 medical students. Participants were stratified by clinical exposure: first-year (pre-clinical), externs, and interns. Blood samples were collected to detect IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using rapid diagnostic tests, and neutralizing antibodies were assessed in seropositive individuals. Self-reported adherence to barrier measures was recorded. Relative risks (RR) of seropositivity were calculated by exposure level. Overall seroprevalence was 18%, with a clear gradient according to hospital exposure: 12% in first-year students, 17% in externs, and 25% in interns. Compared with first-year students, interns had had an approximately twofold higher risk of having a positive anti–SARS-CoV-2 serology (IgA, IgM, and IgG) compared with first-year students (IgA: RR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.13–4.21; p = 0.02; IgM: RR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.08–4.06; p = 0.02; IgG: RR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.06–3.77; p = 0.03). Compared with externs, interns had a significantly higher prevalence of IgA antibodies (RR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.0-4.43; p = 0.05). Among seropositive participants, 97.7% had neutralizing antibodies. High self-reported adherence to barrier measures (≈ 93–98%) did not offset the effect of exposure. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Malian medical students is moderate but exposure-dependent. Results highlight the need for reinforced preventive measures, vaccination prioritization, and ongoing serological surveillance.

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