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Curran EH, Devine MD, Hartley CD, Huang Y, Conrady CD, Debiec MR, Justin GA, Thomas J, Yeh S. Ophthalmic implications of biological threat agents according to the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives framework. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1349571. [PMID: 38293299 PMCID: PMC10824978 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1349571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
As technology continues to evolve, the possibility for a wide range of dangers to people, organizations, and countries escalate globally. The United States federal government classifies types of threats with the capability of inflicting mass casualties and societal disruption as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Energetics/Explosives (CBRNE). Such incidents encompass accidental and intentional events ranging from weapons of mass destruction and bioterrorism to fires or spills involving hazardous or radiologic material. All of these have the capacity to inflict death or severe physical, neurological, and/or sensorial disabilities if injuries are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. Ophthalmic injury can provide important insight into understanding and treating patients impacted by CBRNE agents; however, improper ophthalmic management can result in suboptimal patient outcomes. This review specifically addresses the biological agents the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deems to have the greatest capacity for bioterrorism. CBRNE biological agents, encompassing pathogens and organic toxins, are further subdivided into categories A, B, and C according to their national security threat level. In our compendium of these biological agents, we address their respective CDC category, systemic and ophthalmic manifestations, route of transmission and personal protective equipment considerations as well as pertinent vaccination and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H. Curran
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Max D. Devine
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Caleb D. Hartley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Ye Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher D. Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Matthew R. Debiec
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Grant A. Justin
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joanne Thomas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- National Strategic Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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Laidoudi Y, Rousset E, Dessimoulie AS, Prigent M, Raptopoulo A, Huteau Q, Chabbert E, Navarro C, Fournier PE, Davoust B. Tracking the Source of Human Q Fever from a Southern French Village: Sentinel Animals and Environmental Reservoir. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041016. [PMID: 37110439 PMCID: PMC10142994 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, also known as the causal agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic pathogen infecting humans and several animal species. Here, we investigated the epidemiological context of C. burnetii from an area in the Hérault department in southern France, using the One Health paradigm. In total, 13 human cases of Q fever were diagnosed over the last three years in an area comprising four villages. Serological and molecular investigations conducted on the representative animal population, as well as wind data, indicated that some of the recent cases are likely to have originated from a sheepfold, which revealed bacterial contamination and a seroprevalence of 47.6%. However, the clear-cut origin of human cases cannot be ruled out in the absence of molecular data from the patients. Multi-spacer typing based on dual barcoding nanopore sequencing highlighted the occurrence of a new genotype of C. burnetii. In addition, the environmental contamination appeared to be widespread across a perimeter of 6 km due to local wind activity, according to the seroprevalence detected in dogs (12.6%) and horses (8.49%) in the surrounding populations. These findings were helpful in describing the extent of the exposed area and thus supporting the use of dogs and horses as valuable sentinel indicators for monitoring Q fever. The present data clearly highlighted that the epidemiological surveillance of Q fever should be reinforced and improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Elodie Rousset
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Myriam Prigent
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Alizée Raptopoulo
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Quentin Huteau
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence Rickettsies, Bartonella et Coxiella, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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Zangue CT, Kouamo J, Ngoula F, Tawali LPM, Ndebé MMF, Somnjom DE, Nguena RNG, Mouiche MMM. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Zoonotic Risk Perception of Bovine Q Fever ( Coxiella burnetii) among Cattle Farmers and Veterinary Personnel in Northern Regions of Cameroon. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:482-492. [PMID: 36416792 PMCID: PMC9680217 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices and zoonotic risk perception of Q fever among 484 selected cattle farmers (438) and veterinary personnel (46) in three northern regions of Cameroon. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and responses were recoded into binary scale. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean knowledge, attitude, practice and zoonotic risk perception (KAPP) scores between regions, while Linear regression was done to explore the relationship between demographic characteristic and KAPP. Overall, surveyed had low mean scores for knowledge (0.02 ± 0.11), desirable attitude (0.30 ± 0.16), appropriate practice (0.43 ± 0.13) and negative perception of zoonotic risks (0.05 ± 0.11). The means knowledge, attitude, practice and risks perception scores of cattle farmers were lower than those of veterinary personnel. The nature of respondent was negatively associated to knowledge and risks perception, while regions were negatively correlated to attitude and practice. These results revealed significant knowledge gaps, low levels of desired attitudes, and high-risk behavioral practices. To improve awareness, control programs are needed to update knowledge on medical personnel and to prevent animal-to-human transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Teitsa Zangue
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere P.O. Box 454, Cameroon
- Correspondence:
| | - Justin Kouamo
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere P.O. Box 454, Cameroon
| | - Ferdinand Ngoula
- Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 96, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Dinayen Edwin Somnjom
- Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, Polyvalent Station Bertoua, Bertoua P.O. Box 203, Cameroon
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Performance Evaluation and Validation of Air Samplers To Detect Aerosolized Coxiella burnetii. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0065522. [PMID: 36073825 PMCID: PMC9602806 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00655-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, is an intracellular zoonotic pathogen transmitted via the respiratory route. Once released from infected animals, C. burnetii can travel long distances through air before infecting another host. As such, the ability to detect the presence of C. burnetii in air is important. In this study, three air samplers, AirPort MD8, BioSampler, and the Coriolis Micro, were assessed against a set of predetermined criteria in the presence of three different aerosolized C. burnetii concentrations. Two liquid collection media, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and alkaline polyethylene glycol (Alk PEG), were tested with devices requiring a collection liquid. Samples were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) targeting the single-copy com1 gene or multicopy insertion element IS1111. All air samplers performed well at detecting airborne C. burnetii across the range of concentrations tested. At high nebulized concentrations, AirPort MD8 showed higher, but variable, recovery probabilities. While the BioSampler and Coriolis Micro recovered C. burnetii at lower concentrations, the replicates were far more repeatable. At low and intermediate nebulized concentrations, results were comparable in the trials between air samplers, although the AirPort MD8 had consistently higher recovery probabilities. In this first study validating air samplers for their ability to detect aerosolized C. burnetii, we found that while all samplers performed well, not all samplers were equal. It is important that these results are further validated under field conditions. These findings will further inform efforts to detect airborne C. burnetii around known point sources of infection. IMPORTANCE Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. It is important to know if C. burnetii is present in the air around putative sources as it is transmitted via inhalation. This study assessed air samplers (AirPort MD8, BioSampler, and Coriolis Micro) for their efficacy in detecting C. burnetii. Our results show that all three devices could detect aerosolized bacteria effectively; however, at high concentrations the AirPort performed better than the other two devices, showing higher percent recovery. At intermediate and low concentrations AirPort detected at a level higher than or similar to that of other samplers. Quantification of samples was hindered by the limit of quantitation of the qPCR assay. Compared with the other two devices, the AirPort was easier to handle and clean in the field. Testing air around likely sources (e.g., farms, abattoirs, and livestock saleyards) using validated sampling devices will help better estimate the risk of Q fever to nearby communities.
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Muema J, Nyamai M, Wheelhouse N, Njuguna J, Jost C, Oyugi J, Bukania Z, Oboge H, Ogoti B, Makori A, Fernandez MDP, Omulo S, Thumbi S. Endemicity of Coxiella burnetii infection among people and their livestock in pastoral communities in northern Kenya. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11133. [PMID: 36303929 PMCID: PMC9593183 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coxiella burnetti can be transmitted to humans primarily through inhaling contaminated droplets released from infected animals or consumption of contaminated dairy products. Despite its zoonotic nature and the close association pastoralist communities have with their livestock, studies reporting simultaneous assessment of C. burnetti exposure and risk-factors among people and their livestock are scarce. Objective This study therefore estimated the seroprevalence of Q-fever and associated risk factors of exposure in people and their livestock. Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County in northern Kenya. A total of 1,074 women and 225 children were enrolled and provided blood samples for Q-fever testing. Additionally, 1,876 goats, 322 sheep and 189 camels from the same households were sampled. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect individual- and household/herd-level data. Indirect IgG ELISA kits were used to test the samples. Results Household-level seropositivity was 13.2% [95% CI: 11.2–15.3]; differences in seropositivity levels among women and children were statistically insignificant (p = 0.8531). Lactating women had higher odds of exposure, odds ratio (OR) = 2.4 [1.3–5.3], while the odds of exposure among children increased with age OR = 1.1 [1.0–1.1]. Herd-level seroprevalence was 83.7% [81.7–85.6]. Seropositivity among goats was 74.7% [72.7–76.7], while that among sheep and camels was 56.8% [51.2–62.3] and 38.6% [31.6–45.9], respectively. Goats and sheep had a higher risk of exposure OR = 5.4 [3.7–7.3] and 2.6 [1.8–3.4], respectively relative to camels. There was no statistically significant association between Q-fever seropositivity and nutrition status in women, p = 0.900 and children, p = 1.000. We found no significant association between exposure in people and their livestock at household level (p = 0.724) despite high animal exposure levels, suggesting that Q-fever exposure in humans may be occurring at a scale larger than households. Conclusion The one health approach used in this study revealed that Q-fever is endemic in this setting. Longitudinal studies of Q-fever burden and risk factors simultaneously assessed in human and animal populations as well as the socioeconomic impacts of the disease and further explore the role of environmental factors in Q-fever epidemiology are required. Such evidence may form the basis for designing Q-fever prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josphat Muema
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Washington State University Global Health Program – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya,Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health, Washington State University, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Mutono Nyamai
- Washington State University Global Health Program – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya,Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health, Washington State University, USA,Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Joseph Njuguna
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine Jost
- United States Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), Washington, DC, USA,Global Health Support Initiative III, Social Solutions International, Washington DC, USA
| | - Julius Oyugi
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zipporah Bukania
- Center for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harriet Oboge
- Washington State University Global Health Program – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya,Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health, Washington State University, USA
| | - Brian Ogoti
- Washington State University Global Health Program – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya,Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anita Makori
- Washington State University Global Health Program – Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya,Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Sylvia Omulo
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health, Washington State University, USA,Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - S.M. Thumbi
- Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health, Washington State University, USA,Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, USA,South African Center for Epidemiological Modelling Analysis, South Africa,Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK
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Bauer BU, Herms TL, Runge M, Ganter M. A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat farm did not result in Coxiella burnetii shedding on neighboring sheep farms – An observational study. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Souza EARD, André MR, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Q fever and coxiellosis in Brazil: an underestimated disease? A brief review. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e009822. [PMID: 36169506 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Q fever, caused by the γ-proteobacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis of great importance and global impact. This agent has high transmissibility and can spread over long distances via wind, in which a small number of aerosolized particles are needed to infect susceptible hosts. The clinical diagnosis of Q fever is difficult owing to the variety of clinical signs shared with other diseases. In Brazil, studies related to C. burnetii are constantly being conducted, and this review aims to increase the number of approaches already studied, leading to the following question: is Q fever an unknown, neglected disease, or does it have a focal occurrence in certain areas (exotic/rare) in the country?
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Almeida Rodrigues de Souza
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCA, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia - FMVZ, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Mauricio Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociência Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Ullah Q, Jamil T, Saqib M, Iqbal M, Neubauer H. Q Fever—A Neglected Zoonosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081530. [PMID: 36013948 PMCID: PMC9416428 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever remains a neglected zoonosis in many developing countries including Pakistan. The causing agent Coxiella (C.) burnetii is resistant to environmental factors (such as drying, heat and many disinfectants), resulting in a long-lasting infection risk for both human and animals. As the infection is usually asymptomatic, it mostly remains undiagnosed in animals until and unless adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in a herd. In humans, the infection leads to severe endocarditis and vascular infection in chronic cases. Limited data are available on molecular epidemiology and evolution of this pathogen, especially in ruminants. Genomic studies will help speculating outbreak relationships in this scenario. Likewise, pathogenesis of C. burnetii needs to be explored by molecular studies. Awareness programs and ensuring pasteurization of the dairy milk before human consumption would help preventing Q fever zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qudrat Ullah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan 29111, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Tariq Jamil
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Mudassar Iqbal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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Mwololo D, Nthiwa D, Kitala P, Abuom T, Wainaina M, Kairu-Wanyoike S, Lindahl JF, Ontiri E, Bukachi S, Njeru I, Karanja J, Sang R, Grace D, Bett B. Sero-epidemiological survey of Coxiella burnetii in livestock and humans in Tana River and Garissa counties in Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010214. [PMID: 35239658 PMCID: PMC8923444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coxiella burnetii is a widely distributed pathogen, but data on its epidemiology in livestock, and human populations remain scanty, especially in developing countries such as Kenya. We used the One Health approach to estimate the seroprevalance of C. burnetii in cattle, sheep, goats and human populations in Tana River county, and in humans in Garissa county, Kenya. We also identified potential determinants of exposure among these hosts. Methods Data were collected through a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were taken from 2,727 animals (466 cattle, 1,333 goats, and 928 sheep) and 974 humans and screened for Phase I/II IgG antibodies against C. burnetii using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data on potential factors associated with animal and human exposure were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariable analyses were performed with households as a random effect to adjust for the within-household correlation of C. burnetii exposure among animals and humans, respectively. Results The overall apparent seroprevalence estimates of C. burnetii in livestock and humans were 12.80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.57–14.11) and 24.44% (95% CI: 21.77–27.26), respectively. In livestock, the seroprevalence differed significantly by species (p < 0.01). The highest seroprevalence estimates were observed in goats (15.22%, 95% CI: 13.34-17.27) and sheep (14.22%, 95% CI: 12.04–16.64) while cattle (3.00%, 95% CI: 1.65–4.99) had the lowest seroprevalence. Herd-level seropositivity of C. burnetii in livestock was not positively associated with human exposure. Multivariable results showed that female animals had higher odds of seropositivity for C. burnetii than males, while for animal age groups, adult animals had higher odds of seropositivity than calves, kids or lambs. For livestock species, both sheep and goats had significantly higher odds of seropositivity than cattle. In human populations, men had a significantly higher odds of testing positive for C. burnetii than women. Conclusions This study provides evidence of livestock and human exposure to C. burnetii which could have serious economic implications on livestock production and impact on human health. These results also highlight the need to establish active surveillance in the study area to reduce the disease burden associated with this pathogen. Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii is a significant zoonotic disease that affects wildlife, domestic animals and humans. This study determined the prevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii in livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) and human populations in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya between December 2013 and February 2014. We also identified potential factors that were associated with exposure among the above-targeted hosts. Results from this study showed considerable exposure in both livestock and human populations. However, human exposure to this pathogen at the household level was not correlated with herd-level seropositivity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the transmission routes of this pathogen among humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damaris Mwololo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Nthiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Philip Kitala
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tequiero Abuom
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Salome Kairu-Wanyoike
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Johanna F. Lindahl
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Enoch Ontiri
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Salome Bukachi
- Institute of Anthropology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ian Njeru
- Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joan Karanja
- Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Delia Grace
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Nag R, Monahan C, Whyte P, Markey BK, O'Flaherty V, Bolton D, Fenton O, Richards KG, Cummins E. Risk assessment of Escherichia coli in bioaerosols generated following land application of farmyard slurry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148189. [PMID: 34119787 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Transfer of Escherichia coli in bioaerosols to humans during and shortly after the land application of farmyard slurry may pose human health hazards, but it has not been extensively explored to date. The present study developed a quantitative risk assessment model for E. coli through the air exposure route. The probabilistic model assessed the predicted number of microorganisms in the air (PNair) to which humans may be exposed. A Gaussian air dispersion model was used to calculate the concentration of E. coli transmitted through aerosols. Human exposure (HE) to E. coli was estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation approach. This research predicted the mean HE as 26 CFU day-1 (95th percentile 263 CFU day-1) and suggests the importance of keeping a distance of at least 100 m for the residential population from land spreading activities. However, the simulated mean daily or annual (once a year application) risk of 2.65 × 10-7 person-1 year-1 due to land application of slurry indicates very low occupational risk for farmworkers not equipped with the personal protective equipment (PPE), who are potentially exposed to E. coli indirectly. The model found that the decay constant of E. coli in air, duration of decay, and bio-aerosolisation efficiency factor (top three) could influence HE to airborne E. coli. Furthermore, this research recommends an average time lag of at least 2.5 h following the application of farmyard slurry to the field before humans access the field again without PPE, allowing the airborne pathogen to decay, thereby ensuring occupational safety. The model suggested that the bio-aerosolisation efficiency factor (E) for other pathogens requires further investigation. The information generated from this model can help to assess likely exposure from bioaerosols triggered by land application of farmyard slurry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Nag
- University College Dublin School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Ciaran Monahan
- University College Dublin School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paul Whyte
- University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Bryan K Markey
- University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Vincent O'Flaherty
- National University of Ireland Galway, School of Natural Sciences, Galway, Ireland
| | - Declan Bolton
- TEAGASC, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland
| | - Owen Fenton
- TEAGASC, Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, County Wexford, Ireland
| | - Karl G Richards
- TEAGASC, Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, County Wexford, Ireland
| | - Enda Cummins
- University College Dublin School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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11
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Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of acute Q fever in a cohort of hospitalized patients in a regional hospital, Israel, 2012-2018. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009573. [PMID: 34264953 PMCID: PMC8315502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute Q fever is endemic in Israel, yet the clinical and laboratory picture is poorly defined. Methods A retrospective study reviewing the medical records of acute Q fever patients, conducted in a single hospital in the Sharon district, Israel. Serum samples from suspected cases were preliminary tested by a qualitative enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Confirmatory testing at the reference laboratory used an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Positive cases were defined as fever with at least one other symptom and accepted laboratory criteria such as a single-phase II immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer ≥1:200. Cases not fulfilling these criteria and in which acute Q fever was excluded, served as a control group. Results Between January 2012 and May 2018, 484 patients tested positive. After confirmatory testing, 65 (13.4%) were positive for acute Q fever (with requisite clinical picture), 171 (35.3%) were definitely not infected, the remaining 248 were excluded because of past/chronic/undetermined infection. The average age was 58 years and 66% were males. Most resided in urban areas with rare animal exposure. Pneumonia was seen in 57% of cases and a combination with headache/hepatitis was highly suggestive of acute Q fever diagnosis. Syncope/presyncope, fall and arthritis were more common in acute Q fever cases. Laboratory indexes were similar to the control group, except for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) which was more common and higher in the study group. Conclusion Acute Q fever in the Sharon district could be better diagnosed by using a syndromic approach in combination with improved rapid diagnostic testing. Acute Q fever is endemic in Israel, yet the clinical and laboratory picture is poorly defined. We performed a retrospective study reviewing medical records of acute Q fever patients compared to those for whom acute Q fever was excluded. Serum samples from suspected cases were preliminary tested by a qualitative enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Confirmatory testing at the reference laboratory used an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Positive cases were defined as fever with at least one other symptom and accepted laboratory criteria. Cases not fulfilling these criteria and in which acute Q fever was excluded, served as a control group. Over 6 years, 484 patients tested positive by EIA. After confirmatory testing, 65 (13.4%) were positive for acute Q fever (with requisite clinical picture), 171 (35.3%) were definitely not infected, the remaining 248 were excluded because of past/chronic/undetermined infection. Most resided in urban areas without animal exposure. Pneumonia was seen in 57% of cases and a combination with headache/hepatitis was highly suggestive of acute Q fever diagnosis. Syncope/presyncope, fall and arthritis were more common in acute Q fever cases. We conclude that a syndromic approach to acute Q fever in combination with improved rapid diagnostic testing would be beneficial.
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Proboste T, Deressa FB, Li Y, Kal DO, Gelalcha BD, Soares Magalhães RJ. Geographical Variation in Coxiella burnetii Seroprevalence in Dairy Farms Located in South-Western Ethiopia: Understanding the Broader Community Risk. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060646. [PMID: 34071090 PMCID: PMC8224686 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease that is caused by Coxiella burnetii and leads to abortion and infertility in ruminants and debilitating disease in humans. Jimma zone, including Jimma town, located in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, was affected by an outbreak of abortions in ruminants related to Q fever infection between 2013 and 2015. This study aimed to investigate the geo-clustering of C. burnetii seroprevalence in dairy farms of Jimma town and identify the environmental risk factors associated with seroprevalence distribution. A total of 227 cattle were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii in 25 farms. We explored the clustering of C. burnetii seroprevalence using semivariograms. A geostatistical regression-based model was implemented to quantify the risk factors and to predict the geographical variation in C. burnetii seroprevalence at unsampled locations in Jimma town using OpenBugs. Our results demonstrated that the risk of exposure in dairy cattle varied across the landscape of Jimma town and was associated with environmental risk factors. The predictive map of C. burnetii seroprevalence showed that communities in the eastern part of Jimma town had the highest risk of exposure. Our results can inform community-level investigations of human seroprevalence in the high-risk areas to the east of Jimma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Proboste
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (Y.L.); (R.J.S.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Feyissa Begna Deressa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 307, Ethiopia; (F.B.D.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Yanjin Li
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (Y.L.); (R.J.S.M.)
| | - David Onafruo Kal
- College of Veterinary Science, Bahr El Ghazal University, Wau P.O. Box 10739, Sudan;
| | - Benti Deressa Gelalcha
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma P.O. Box 307, Ethiopia; (F.B.D.); (B.D.G.)
| | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (Y.L.); (R.J.S.M.)
- Children’s Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
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Sahu R, Rawool DB, Dhaka P, Yadav JP, Mishra SP, Kumar M, Vergis J, Malik SS, Barbuddhe SB. Current perspectives on the occurrence of Q fever: highlighting the need for systematic surveillance for a neglected zoonotic disease in Indian subcontinent. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:138-158. [PMID: 33314653 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Coxiellosis or Q fever is an important global occupational zoonotic disease caused by one of the most contagious bacterial pathogens - Coxiella burnetii, which ranks one among the 13 global priority zoonoses. The detection of C. burnetii infection is exhibiting an increasing trend in high-risk personnel around the globe. It has increasingly been detected from foods of animal origin (including bulk milk, eggs, and meat) as well as tick vectors in many parts of the world. Coxiellosis is reported to be an important public health threat causing spontaneous abortions in humans and potential reproductive failure, which would result in production losses among livestock. Further, comprehensive coverage of the reports and trends of Q fever in developing countries, where this infection is supposed to be widely prevalent appears scarce. Also, the pathogen remains grossly neglected and underreported. Moreover, policymakers and funding agencies do not view it as a priority problem, especially in the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives. Here, we review the occurrence and epidemiology of the disease in a global context with special emphasis on its status in the Indian subcontinent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishna Sahu
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Deepak Bhiwa Rawool
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Meat, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500 092, India
| | - Pankaj Dhaka
- School of Public Health and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Punjab, 141004, India
| | - Jay Prakash Yadav
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Sidharth Prasad Mishra
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700037, India
| | - Manesh Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Jess Vergis
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
| | - Satyaveer Singh Malik
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243 122, India
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Ferguson RMW, Neath CEE, Nasir ZA, Garcia-Alcega S, Tyrrel S, Coulon F, Dumbrell AJ, Colbeck I, Whitby C. Size fractionation of bioaerosol emissions from green-waste composting. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 147:106327. [PMID: 33387881 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particle size is a significant factor in determining the dispersal and inhalation risk from bioaerosols. Green-waste composting is a significant source of bioaerosols (including pathogens), but little is known about the distribution of specific taxa across size fractions. To characterise size fractionated bioaerosol emissions from a compost facility, we used a Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS) to quantify total bioaerosols and qPCR and metabarcoding to quantify microbial bioaerosols. Overall, sub-micron bioaerosols predominated, but molecular analysis showed that most (>75%) of the airborne microorganisms were associated with the larger size fractions (>3.3 µm da). The microbial taxa varied significantly by size, with Bacilli dominating the larger, and Actinobacteria the smaller, size fractions. The human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus dominated the intermediate size fractions (>50% da 1.1-4.7 µm), indicating that it has the potential to disperse widely and once inhaled may penetrate deep into the respiratory system. The abundance of Actinobacteria (>60% at da < 2.1 µm) and other sub-micron bioaerosols suggest that the main health effects from composting bioaerosols may come from allergenic respiratory sensitisation rather than directly via infection. These results emphasise the need to better understand the size distributions of bioaerosols across all taxa in order to model their dispersal and to inform risk assessments of human health related to composting facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M W Ferguson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Charlotte E E Neath
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; School of Applied Sciences, University of South Wales, Cemetery Road, Glyntaff, Pontypridd CF37 4BD, UK
| | - Zaheer A Nasir
- Cranfield University, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Sonia Garcia-Alcega
- Cranfield University, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Sean Tyrrel
- Cranfield University, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Frederic Coulon
- Cranfield University, School of Water, Energy and Environment, Cranfield MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Alex J Dumbrell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Ian Colbeck
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Corinne Whitby
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
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Devaux CA, Osman IO, Million M, Raoult D. Coxiella burnetii in Dromedary Camels ( Camelus dromedarius): A Possible Threat for Humans and Livestock in North Africa and the Near and Middle East? Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:558481. [PMID: 33251255 PMCID: PMC7674558 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.558481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The "One Health" concept recognizes that human health is connected to animal health and to the ecosystems. Coxiella burnetii-induced human Q fever is one of the most widespread neglected zoonosis. The main animal reservoirs responsible for C. burnetii transmission to humans are domesticated ruminants, primarily goats, sheep, and cattle. Although studies are still too sparse to draw definitive conclusions, the most recent C. burnetii serosurvey studies conducted in herds and farms in Africa, North Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Asia highlighted that seroprevalence was strikingly higher in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) than in other ruminants. The C. burnetii seroprevalence in camel herds can reach more than 60% in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, and 70 to 80% in Algeria and Chad, respectively. The highest seroprevalence was in female camels with a previous history of abortion. Moreover, C. burnetii infection was reported in ticks of the Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum species collected on camels. Even if dromedary camels represent <3% of the domesticated ruminants in the countries of the Mediterranean basin Southern coast, these animals play a major socioeconomic role for millions of people who live in the arid zones of Africa, Middle East, and Asia. In Chad and Somalia, camels account for about 7 and 21% of domesticated ruminants, respectively. To meet the growing consumers demand of camel meat and milk (>5 million tons/year of both raw and pasteurized milk according to the Food and Agriculture Organization) sustained by a rapid increase of population (growth rate: 2.26-3.76 per year in North Africa), dromedary camel breeding tends to increase from the Maghreb to the Arabic countries. Because of possible long-term persistence of C. burnetii in camel hump adipocytes, this pathogen could represent a threat for herds and breeding farms and ultimately for public health. Because this review highlights a hyperendemia of C. burnetii in dromedary camels, a proper screening of herds and breeding farms for C. burnetii is urgently needed in countries where camel breeding is on the rise. Moreover, the risk of C. burnetii transmission from camel to human should be further evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Ikram Omar Osman
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Sciences Ben-Ben-M'Sik, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Matthieu Million
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Khademi P, Ownagh A, Ataei B, Kazemnia A, Enferadi A, Khalili M, Mardani K. Prevalence of C. burnetii DNA in sheep and goats milk in the northwest of Iran. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 331:108716. [PMID: 32521375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a common zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The causative agent of Q fever is Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative and polymorphic rod bacterium. Sheep and goats are the primary reservoirs of this disease, although a variety of animal species can be infected. The main route of Q fever transmission from animals to humans is the inhalation of contaminated aerosols with C. burnetii. The bacterium is excreted in milk of infected animals and therefore; the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products might be a route of coxiella burnetii transmission from animals to humans. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii in milk samples collected from sheep and goats in west Azerbaijan province, Iran. During 2018, a total number of 420 milk samples were collected from sheep (n = 210) and goats (n = 210) of different regions of the province. All milk samples were subjected to DNA extraction and examined by a highly and specific nested-PCR method. The results showed that 51 (12.1%) (95% CI: 9.3%-15.6%) examined samples [sheep; n = 16 (7.6%) and goat; n = 35 (16.6%)] were positive for C. burnetii. The prevalence of C. burnetii in goat milk samples was significantly higher than sheep milk samples (P < 0.05). The shedding of C. burnetii in milk was significantly higher in summer (25%) (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 17.7%-34%) than the other seasons. It was concluded that sheep and goat populations in west Azerbaijan play an important role in the epidemiology of Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Khademi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - A Ownagh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran.
| | - B Ataei
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - A Kazemnia
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - A Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - M Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - K Mardani
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran
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17
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Relationship between Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) antibody serology and time spent outdoors. J Infect 2020; 81:90-97. [PMID: 32330524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM From 2007 through 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest recorded Q fever outbreak to date. People living closer to Coxiella burnetii infected goat farms were at increased risk for acute Q fever. Time spent outdoors near infected farms may have contributed to exposure to C. burnetii. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate whether hours/week spent outdoors, in the vicinity of previously C. burnetii infected goat farms, was associated with presence of antibodies against C. burnetii in residents of a rural area in the Netherlands. METHODS Between 2014-2015, we collected C. burnetii antibody serology and self-reported data about habitual hours/week spent outdoors near the home from 2494 adults. From a subgroup we collected 941 GPS tracks, enabling analyses of active mobility in the outbreak region. Participants were categorised as exposed if they spent time within specified distances (500m, 1000m, 2000m, or 4000m) of C. burnetii infected goat farms. We evaluated whether time spent near these farms was associated with positive C. burnetii serology using spline analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS People that spent more hours/week outdoors near infected farms had a significantly increased risk for positive C. burnetii serology (time spent within 2000m of a C. burnetii abortion-wave positive farm, OR 3.6 (1.2-10.6)), compared to people spending less hours/week outdoors. CONCLUSIONS Outdoor exposure contributed to the risk of becoming C. burnetii serology positive. These associations were stronger if people spent more time near C. burnetii infected farms. Outdoor exposure should, if feasible, be included in outbreak investigations.
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de Koeijer AA, Hagenaars TJ, van Leuken JPG, Swart AN, Boender GJ. Spatial transmission risk during the 2007-2010 Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands: Analysis of the farm-to-farm and farm-to-resident transmission. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227491. [PMID: 32017771 PMCID: PMC6999918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Between 2007 and 2010 a Q fever epidemic in Dutch dairy goat farms caused a large Q fever outbreak in human residents in the southern part of the Netherlands. Here we characterize the transmission of Coxiella burnetii, the aetiological agent of Q fever, between infected and susceptible dairy goat farms by estimating a spatial transmission kernel. In addition, we characterize the zoonotic transmission of C. burnetii by estimating the spatial kernel for transmission from infected farms to neighbouring residents. Whereas the range of between-farm transmission is comparable to the scale of the Netherlands, likely due to long-range between-farm contacts such as animal transport, the transmission risk from farms to humans is more localized, although still extending to 10 km and beyond. Within a range of about 10 km, the transmission risk from an infected goat farm to a single resident is of the same order of magnitude as the farm-to-farm transmission risk per animal in a receiving farm. We illustrate how, based on the estimated kernels, spatial patterns of transmission risks between farms and from farms to residents can be calculated and visualized by means of risk maps, offering further insight relevant to policy making in a one-health context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A. de Koeijer
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas J. Hagenaars
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P. G. van Leuken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arno N. Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan Boender
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Obaidat MM, Malania L, Imnadze P, Roess AA, Bani Salman AE, Arner RJ. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Coxiella burnetii in Jordan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:40-44. [PMID: 31115294 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first cross-sectional study of the seroprevalence and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii in Jordan. A total of 781 individuals from 11 governorates of Jordan were tested by SERION ELISA classic C. burnetii IgG Phase 2. A validated and pretested questionnaire was used to collect risk factors and demographic data. The overall seroprevalence for C. burnetii was 24.2% (95% CI; 21.3-27.3%). Unadjusted odds ratios showed that governorate of residence, consumption of raw milk, and ownership of sheep, goats, and dogs were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. The multivariate logistic regression showed that individuals who own small ruminants had three times greater odds of seropositivity than those who do not own a small ruminant, after controlling for age, gender, raw milk consumption, and ownership of dogs. In addition, individuals who live in Al-Karak, Az-Zarqa, and Al-Tafilah had significantly greater odds of seropositivity compared with individuals who live in the capital city, Amman (OR = 3.6, 4.8, and 2.7, respectively). This study suggests that preventive measures should be practiced in ruminant farms in Jordan to avoid C. burnetii infection. Coxiella burnetii should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile-like illnesses in Jordan, especially among farmers and veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Obaidat
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lile Malania
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Paata Imnadze
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Amira A Roess
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Alaa E Bani Salman
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ryan J Arner
- Ryan Arner Science Consulting, LLC, Freeport, Pennsylvania
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Coxiella burnetii Antibody Prevalence and Risk Factors of Infection in the Human Population of Estonia. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120629. [PMID: 31795442 PMCID: PMC6956122 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is an emerging health problem in both humans and animals. To estimate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) antibodies in the Estonian population, we analyzed plasma samples from 1000 individuals representing the general population and 556 individual serum samples from five population groups potentially at a higher risk (veterinary professionals, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and small ruminant stockbreeders and hunters). Additionally, 118 dairy cow bulk tank milk samples were analyzed to establish the infection status of the dairy cattle herds and the participating dairy cattle keepers. Questionnaires were used to find the potential risk factors of exposure. The effects of different variables were evaluated using binary logistic regression analysis and mixed-effects logistic analysis. The prevalence in veterinary professionals (9.62%; p = 0.003) and dairy cattle farmers (7.73%; p = 0.047) was significantly higher than in the general population (3.9%). Contact with production animals in veterinary practice and being a dairy stockbreeder in C. burnetii positive farms were risk factors for testing C. burnetii seropositive (p = 0.038 and p = 0.019, respectively). Results suggest that C. burnetii is present in Estonia and the increased risk of infection in humans is associated with farm animal contact.
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Rahaman MR, Milazzo A, Marshall H, Bi P. Spatial, temporal, and occupational risks of Q fever infection in South Australia, 2007-2017. J Infect Public Health 2019; 13:544-551. [PMID: 31706842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of Q fever on at risk population groups in Australia is substantial, despite the availability of a vaccine. Our objectives were to: (a) describe the epidemiology of notified Q fever cases in South Australia (SA), (b) identify if Q fever infection is associated with occupational exposure, and (c) detect the possible spatial and temporal association of Q fever with livestock density. METHODS Laboratory confirmed Q fever notifications from January 2007 to December 2017 were obtained from the SA Health Department. Q fever notification rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated for gender, notification year, age group, occupation category, and primary exposure suburb. Spatial mapping and analysis of Q fever notifications was undertaken using livestock data, and abattoirs and saleyards located in SA. RESULTS During the study period 167 Q fever cases were notified. Males predominated (72%), with higher rates observed in the 21-40year age group (1.52/100,000), and eight cases (5%) reported prior Q fever vaccination. Most frequently listed occupation categories were livestock farmers (35%), and abattoir workers (20%), but in 15% of cases, there was no known occupational risk. Highest notifications (22%) were recorded in the suburb containing an abattoir. The number of goats, cattle and sheep was not associated with Q fever notifications. CONCLUSIONS Q fever predominance among males in their twenties and thirties may indicate vaccination under-coverage among the young workforce possibly due to high turnover of workers. Q fever among those vaccinated raises concerns about vaccine efficacy or potential waning immunity. Our findings are consistent with previous studies highlighting abattoir workers as a high-risk occupational group because of its transient workforce, and low vaccination coverage. Q fever notifications in SA may be unrelated with spatial livestock density. Further One Health research involving veterinary, public health and environmental data is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md R Rahaman
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Helen Marshall
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
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Ullah Q, El-Adawy H, Jamil T, Jamil H, Qureshi ZI, Saqib M, Ullah S, Shah MK, Khan AZ, Zubair M, Khan I, Mertens-Scholz K, Henning K, Neubauer H. Serological and Molecular Investigation of Coxiella burnetii in Small Ruminants and Ticks in Punjab, Pakistan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214271. [PMID: 31689887 PMCID: PMC6861879 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Coxiellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii affecting the productive and reproductive capabilities of animals. This study was conducted to gain insight into the seroprevalence of coxiellosis in small ruminants in seven farms of the Punjab, Pakistan. Potential risk factors were assessed. In total, 1000 serum samples (500 from sheep and 500 from goats) and 163 ticks were collected from the ruminants. All these 163 ticks were merged into 55 pools (29 pools for ticks from sheep and 26 pools for ticks from goat). Serum samples were investigated using an indirect ELISA and PCR. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in 29 pooled seropositive samples and 11 pooled ticks by real-time qPCR. Serological analysis revealed a prevalence of 15.6% and 15.0% in sheep and goats, respectively. A significant association was found between seropositivity and different variables like district, lactational status, reproductive status, body condition and reproductive disorders. Univariate analysis showed that detection of C. burnetii DNA in tick pools was significantly associated with the presence of ticks on sheep and goats. However, a non-significant association was found for the prevalence of C. burnetii DNA in serum pools. Hence, C. burnetii infection is prevalent in small ruminants and ticks maintained at livestock farms in Punjab, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qudrat Ullah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan.
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Hosny El-Adawy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheik University, Kafr El-Sheik 35516, Egypt.
| | - Tariq Jamil
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Huma Jamil
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Zafar Iqbal Qureshi
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Shakeeb Ullah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Kamal Shah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan.
| | - Alam Zeb Khan
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir 12350, Pakistan.
| | - Iahtasham Khan
- Section of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, sub-campus Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan.
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Klaus Henning
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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23
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Esmaeili S, Bagheri Amiri F, Mokhayeri H, Kayedi MH, Maurin M, Rohani M, Mostafavi E. Seroepidemiological study of Q fever, brucellosis and tularemia in butchers and slaughterhouses workers in Lorestan, western of Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 66:101322. [PMID: 31437682 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Most zoonoses are occupational diseases. Q fever, brucellosis and tularemia are major zoonotic diseases for butchers and slaughterhouse workers. However, little information is available about these infectious diseases in such professional populations in western of Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with these three zoonoses among butchers and slaughterhouse workers in the Lorestan province of Iran. In 2017, 289 individuals (144 butchers or slaughterhouse workers, and 145 people from the general population) were enrolled in 11 different counties of this province. Collected serum samples were tested by ELISA for detection of IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp. or Francisella tularensis antigens. The seroprevalence of Q fever, brucellosis and tularemia among all participants were 23.5%, 31.8% and 3.8%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis and Q fever among butchers and slaughterhouse workers (43.7% and 29.8%, respectively) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the general population (20% and 17.2%, respectively). A contact history with small ruminants (sheep and goats) was associated with a higher risk of positive serology for all three studied zoonoses. The high seroprevalence for Q fever and brucellosis we found among butchers and slaughterhouse workers suggests that both diseases are common in these populations of the Lorestan province. Since these two infectious diseases are clinically unspecific, they must be systematically included in the etiological diagnosis of infectious diseases occurring in these at-risk populations. In addition, we recommend specific training programs as well as the use of personal protective equipment in these occupational groups to reduce the occurrence of these zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Mokhayeri
- Department of Communicable Diseases Control and Prevention, Health Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Kayedi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical, Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Max Maurin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France; Centre National de Référence Francisella tularensis, Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory of Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Ferguson RMW, Garcia‐Alcega S, Coulon F, Dumbrell AJ, Whitby C, Colbeck I. Bioaerosol biomonitoring: Sampling optimization for molecular microbial ecology. Mol Ecol Resour 2019; 19:672-690. [PMID: 30735594 PMCID: PMC6850074 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosols (or biogenic aerosols) have largely been overlooked by molecular ecologists. However, this is rapidly changing as bioaerosols play key roles in public health, environmental chemistry and the dispersal ecology of microbes. Due to the low environmental concentrations of bioaerosols, collecting sufficient biomass for molecular methods is challenging. Currently, no standardized methods for bioaerosol collection for molecular ecology research exist. Each study requires a process of optimization, which greatly slows the advance of bioaerosol science. Here, we evaluated air filtration and liquid impingement for bioaerosol sampling across a range of environmental conditions. We also investigated the effect of sampling matrices, sample concentration strategies and sampling duration on DNA yield. Air filtration using polycarbonate filters gave the highest recovery, but due to the faster sampling rates possible with impingement, we recommend this method for fine -scale temporal/spatial ecological studies. To prevent bias for the recovery of Gram-positive bacteria, we found that the matrix for impingement should be phosphate-buffered saline. The optimal method for bioaerosol concentration from the liquid matrix was centrifugation. However, we also present a method using syringe filters for rapid in-field recovery of bioaerosols from impingement samples, without compromising microbial diversity for high -throughput sequencing approaches. Finally, we provide a resource that enables molecular ecologists to select the most appropriate sampling strategy for their specific research question.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frederic Coulon
- School of Water, Energy and EnvironmentCranfield UniversityCranfieldUK
| | | | - Corinne Whitby
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Ian Colbeck
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
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25
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Rahaman MR, Milazzo A, Marshall H, Bi P. Is a One Health Approach Utilized for Q Fever Control? A Comprehensive Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E730. [PMID: 30823481 PMCID: PMC6427780 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Q fever, a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, is a significant public health problem with a potential for outbreaks to occur. Q fever prevention strategies should incorporate human, animal, and environmental domains. A One Health approach, which engages cross-sectoral collaboration among multiple stakeholders, may be an appropriate framework and has the underlying principles to control Q fever holistically. To assess whether components of One Health for Q fever prevention and control have been applied, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken. We found 16 studies that had practiced or recommended a One Health approach. Seven emerging themes were identified: Human risk assessment, human and animal serology, integrated human⁻animal surveillance, vaccination for at-risk groups, environmental management, multi-sectoral collaboration, and education and training. Within the multi-sectoral theme, we identified five subthemes: Policy and practice guidelines, information sharing and intelligence exchange, risk communication, joint intervention, and evaluation. One Health practices varied between studies possibly due to differences in intercountry policy, practice, and feasibility. However, the key issue of the need for multi-sectoral collaboration was highlighted across most of the studies. Further research is warranted to explore the barriers and opportunities of adopting a One Health approach in Q fever prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezanur Rahaman
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Helen Marshall
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
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26
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Walker E, Leclerc M, Rey JF, Beaudouin R, Soubeyrand S, Messéan A. A Spatio-Temporal Exposure-Hazard Model for Assessing Biological Risk and Impact. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2019; 39:54-70. [PMID: 29228505 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We developed a simulation model for quantifying the spatio-temporal distribution of contaminants (e.g., xenobiotics) and assessing the risk of exposed populations at the landscape level. The model is a spatio-temporal exposure-hazard model based on (i) tools of stochastic geometry (marked polygon and point processes) for structuring the landscape and describing the exposed individuals, (ii) a dispersal kernel describing the dissemination of contaminants from polygon sources, and (iii) an (eco)toxicological equation describing the toxicokinetics and dynamics of contaminants in affected individuals. The model was implemented in the briskaR package (biological risk assessment with R) of the R software. This article presents the model background, the use of the package in an illustrative example, namely, the effect of genetically modified maize pollen on nontarget Lepidoptera, and typical comparisons of landscape configurations that can be carried out with our model (different configurations lead to different mortality rates in the treated example). In real case studies, parameters and parametric functions encountered in the model will have to be precisely specified to obtain realistic measures of risk and impact and accurate comparisons of landscape configurations. Our modeling framework could be applied to study other risks related to agriculture, for instance, pathogen spread in crops or livestock, and could be adapted to cope with other hazards such as toxic emissions from industrial areas having health effects on surrounding populations. Moreover, the R package has the potential to help risk managers in running quantitative risk assessments and testing management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Walker
- BioSP, INRA, Avignon, France
- EcoInnov, INRA, Thiverval-Grignon, France
| | | | | | - Rémy Beaudouin
- INERIS, Unité Modèles pour l'Ecotoxicologie et la Toxicologie (METO), Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), Verneuil en Halatte, France
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27
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De Rooij MMT, Van Leuken JPG, Swart A, Kretzschmar MEE, Nielen M, De Koeijer AA, Janse I, Wouters IM, Heederik DJJ. A systematic knowledge synthesis on the spatial dimensions of Q fever epidemics. Zoonoses Public Health 2018; 66:14-25. [PMID: 30402920 PMCID: PMC7379662 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
From 2007 through 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest Q fever epidemic ever reported. This study integrates the outcomes of a multidisciplinary research programme on spatial airborne transmission of Coxiella burnetii and reflects these outcomes in relation to other scientific Q fever studies worldwide. We have identified lessons learned and remaining knowledge gaps. This synthesis was structured according to the four steps of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA): (a) Rapid source identification was improved by newly developed techniques using mathematical disease modelling; (b) source characterization efforts improved knowledge but did not provide accurate C. burnetii emission patterns; (c) ambient air sampling, dispersion and spatial modelling promoted exposure assessment; and (d) risk characterization was enabled by applying refined dose–response analyses. The results may support proper and timely risk assessment and risk management during future outbreaks, provided that accurate and structured data are available and exchanged readily between responsible actors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna M T De Rooij
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen P G Van Leuken
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Arno Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam E E Kretzschmar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Julius Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Nielen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aline A De Koeijer
- Central Veterinary Institute, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ingmar Janse
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M Wouters
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J J Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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28
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Villari S, Galluzzo P, Arnone M, Alfano M, Geraci F, Chiarenza G. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection (Q fever) in sheep farms located in Sicily (Southern Italy) and related risk factors. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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29
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Oliveira RD, Mousel MR, Pabilonia KL, Highland MA, Taylor JB, Knowles DP, White SN. Domestic sheep show average Coxiella burnetii seropositivity generations after a sheep-associated human Q fever outbreak and lack detectable shedding by placental, vaginal, and fecal routes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188054. [PMID: 29141023 PMCID: PMC5687729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a globally distributed zoonotic bacterial pathogen that causes abortions in ruminant livestock. In humans, an influenza-like illness results with the potential for hospitalization, chronic infection, abortion, and fatal endocarditis. Ruminant livestock, particularly small ruminants, are hypothesized to be the primary transmission source to humans. A recent Netherlands outbreak from 2007–2010 traced to dairy goats resulted in over 4,100 human cases with estimated costs of more than 300 million euros. Smaller human Q fever outbreaks of small ruminant origin have occurred in the United States, and characterizing shedding is important to understand the risk of future outbreaks. In this study, we assessed bacterial shedding and seroprevalence in 100 sheep from an Idaho location associated with a 1984 human Q fever outbreak. We observed 5% seropositivity, which was not significantly different from the national average of 2.7% for the U.S. (P>0.05). Furthermore, C. burnetii was not detected by quantitative PCR from placentas, vaginal swabs, or fecal samples. Specifically, a three-target quantitative PCR of placenta identified 0.0% shedding (exact 95% confidence interval: 0.0%-2.9%). While presence of seropositive individuals demonstrates some historical C. burnetii exposure, the placental sample confidence interval suggests 2016 shedding events were rare or absent. The location maintained the flock with little or no depopulation in 1984 and without C. burnetii vaccination during or since 1984. It is not clear how a zero-shedding rate was achieved in these sheep beyond natural immunity, and more work is required to discover and assess possible factors that may contribute towards achieving zero-shedding status. We provide the first U.S. sheep placental C. burnetii shedding update in over 60 years and demonstrate potential for C. burnetii shedding to reach undetectable levels after an outbreak event even in the absence of targeted interventions, such as vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Michelle R Mousel
- USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kristy L Pabilonia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Margaret A Highland
- USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - J Bret Taylor
- USDA-ARS Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research, Dubois, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Donald P Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stephen N White
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research, Pullman, Washington, United States of America.,Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
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30
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Estimation of the frequency of Q fever in sheep, goat and cattle herds in France: results of a 3-year study of the seroprevalence of Q fever and excretion level of Coxiella burnetii in abortive episodes. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:3131-3142. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA study was carried out, from 2012 to 2015, in 10 French départements to estimate the serological prevalence of Q fever and the frequency of abortive episodes potentially related to Coxiella burnetii in a large sample of cattle, sheep and goat herds. The serological survey covered 731 cattle, 522 sheep and 349 goat herds, randomly sampled. The frequency of abortive episodes potentially related to C. burnetii was estimated by investigating series of abortions in 2695 cattle, 658 sheep and 105 goat herds using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses and complementary serological results when needed. The average between-herd seroprevalence was significantly lower for cattle (36·0%) than for sheep (55·7%) and goats (61·0%) and significantly higher for dairy herds (64·9% for cattle and 75·6% for sheep) than for meat herds (18·9% for cattle and 39·8% for sheep). Within-herd seroprevalence was also significantly higher for goats (41·5%) than for cattle (22·2%) and sheep (25·7%). During the study period, we estimated that 2·7% (n = 90), 6·2% (n = 48) and 16·7% (n = 19) of the abortive episodes investigated could be ‘potentially related to C. burnetii’in cattle, sheep and goat herds, respectively. Overall, strong variability was observed between départements and species, suggesting that risk factors such as herd density and farming practices play a role in disease transmission and maintenance.
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31
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Fingerprinting outdoor air environment using microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) – A review. Trends Analyt Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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