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Bento JT, Dahmane A, Santos-Silva S, Reghaissia N, Almeida D, Mesquita JR. Antibody-Based Assessment of Coxiella burnetii Circulation in Algerian Goat Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2926. [PMID: 37760325 PMCID: PMC10525101 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182926] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii), a pathogen with a high capability for infection. The disease primarily affects ruminants, leading to reproductive disorders, but can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their products. In Algeria, Q fever is endemic, but little is known about the presence and circulation of C. burnetii in domestic goats. This study aimed to perform a multicentric serological analysis of C. burnetii antibodies in domestic goats from four provinces in the North East Region of Algeria. A total of 504 goat serum samples were collected from 77 herds, and serological analysis was performed using an indirect ELISA. The overall seroprevalence at the herd level was 35.06%, and 8.73% at the individual level. Herds with a history of abortions showed a high seropositivity rate of 88.9%. This research indicates the wide distribution of C. burnetii in goats in this region, suggesting the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. Further studies and monitoring programs are essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of C. burnetii epidemiology in Algeria and to prevent or mitigate potential outbreaks. Awareness among practitioners and farmers is crucial to address this public health concern effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline T. Bento
- Department of Biology, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal;
| | - Abdeldjalil Dahmane
- Higher National Veterinary School, Rue Issad Abbes, El Alia, Algiers 16000, Algeria;
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - Nassiba Reghaissia
- Laboratory of Sciences and Living Techniques, Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria;
| | - Daniela Almeida
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
| | - João R. Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; (S.S.-S.); (D.A.)
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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2
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Anastácio S, de Sousa SR, Saavedra MJ, da Silva GJ. Role of Goats in the Epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121703. [PMID: 36552213 PMCID: PMC9774940 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Since its first description in the late 1930s, Q fever has raised many questions. Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent, is a zoonotic pathogen affecting a wide range of hosts. This airborne organism leads to an obligate, intracellular lifecycle, during which it multiplies in the mononuclear cells of the immune system and in the trophoblasts of the placenta in pregnant females. Although some issues about C. burnetii and its pathogenesis in animals remain unclear, over the years, some experimental studies on Q fever have been conducted in goats given their excretion pattern. Goats play an important role in the epidemiology and economics of C. burnetii infections, also being the focus of several epidemiological studies. Additionally, variants of the agent implicated in human long-term disease have been found circulating in goats. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on C. burnetii infection and the role played by goats in the transmission of the infection to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Anastácio
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sérgio Ramalho de Sousa
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Saavedra
- Laboratory Medical Microbiology—Antimicrobials, Biocides and Biofilms Unit, Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences and Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Jorge da Silva
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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3
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Hou KW, Wiethoelter AK, Stevenson MA, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Lignereux L, Caraguel C, Stenos J, Vincent G, Aleri JW, Firestone SM. A cross-sectional survey of risk factors for the presence of Coxiella burnetii in Australian commercial dairy goat farms. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:296-305. [PMID: 35582949 PMCID: PMC9543512 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13163] [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: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The largest Australian farm‐based outbreak of Q fever originated from a dairy goat herd. We surveyed commercial dairy goat farms across Australia by testing bulk tank milk (BTM) samples using a commercial indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and two quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Of the 66 commercial dairy goat herds on record, managers from 61 herds were contacted and 49 provided BTM samples. Five of the surveyed herds were positive on at least one of the diagnostic tests, thus herd‐level apparent prevalence was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4 to 22). True prevalence was estimated to be 3% (95% credible interval: 0 to 18). Herd managers completed a questionnaire on herd management, biosecurity and hygiene practices and risk factors were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Herds with >900 milking does (the upper quartile) were more likely to be Coxiella burnetii positive (odds ratio = 6.75; 95% CI 1.65 to 27.7) compared with farms with ≤900 milking does. The odds of BTM positivity increased by a factor of 2.53 (95% CI 1.51 to 4.22) for each order of magnitude increase in the number of goats per acre. C. burnetii was not detected in samples from the majority of the Australian dairy goat herds suggesting there is an opportunity to protect the industry and contain this disease with strengthened biosecurity practices. Intensification appeared associated with an increased risk of positivity. Further investigation is required to discriminate the practices associated with an increased risk of introduction to disease‐free herds, from practices associated with maintenance of C. burnetii infection in infected dairy goat herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Hou
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - A K Wiethoelter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - R J Soares Magalhaes
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia
| | - L Lignereux
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - C Caraguel
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - J Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - G Vincent
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - J W Aleri
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Centre for Animal Production and Health, Future Foods Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - S M Firestone
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Bauer BU, Knittler MR, Herms TL, Frangoulidis D, Matthiesen S, Tappe D, Runge M, Ganter M. Multispecies Q Fever Outbreak in a Mixed Dairy Goat and Cattle Farm Based on a New Bovine-Associated Genotype of Coxiella burnetii. Vet Sci 2021; 8:252. [PMID: 34822625 PMCID: PMC8626049 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health concept. Serum samples and vaginal swabs from goats with different reproductive statuses were collected. Cows, cats, and a dog were investigated with the same sample matrix. The farmer's family was examined by serum samples. Ruminant sera were analyzed with two phase-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Dominant immunoglobulin G (IgG) phase II levels reflected current infections in goats. The cows had high IgG phase I and II levels indicating ongoing infections. Feline, canine, and human sera tested positive by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animal vaginal swabs were analyzed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii, and almost all tested positive. A new cattle-associated C. burnetii genotype C16 was identified by the Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) from ruminant samples. Additionally, a possible influence of 17ß-estradiol on C. burnetii antibody response was evaluated in goat sera. Goats in early/mid-pregnancy had significantly lower levels of phase-specific IgGs and 17ß-estradiol than goats in late pregnancy. We conclude that the cattle herd may have transmitted C. burnetii to the pregnant goat herd, resulting in a Q fever outbreak with one acute human case. The influence of placentation and maternal pregnancy hormones during pregnancy on the immune response is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U. Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Michael R. Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany; (M.R.K.); (S.M.)
| | - T. Louise Herms
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany;
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany; (M.R.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
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Zendoia II, Barandika JF, Hurtado A, López CM, Alonso E, Beraza X, Ocabo B, García-Pérez AL. Analysis of environmental dust in goat and sheep farms to assess Coxiella burnetii infection in a Q fever endemic area: Geographical distribution, relationship with human cases and genotypes. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:666-676. [PMID: 34240552 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Real-time PCR analysis of environmental samples (dust and aerosols) is an easy tool to investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the farm environment. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of C. burnetii DNA in dust collected inside animal premises from 272 small ruminant farms in Bizkaia (northern Spain), a region with recent reports of human Q fever cases and outbreaks. Within each farm, 5 samples of dust were collected from difference surfaces, and data on animal census, management procedures, characteristics of the premises and geographic location were collected. Real-time PCR analysis of the dust samples detected presence of C. burnetii DNA in 98 farms (36.0%), flock-prevalence being higher in sheep (38.9%) or mixed ovine-caprine production systems (36.8%), compared to goats (25.0%). Larger bacterial burdens were observed in mixed farms, compared to sheep (p < .05). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified 5 different genotypes, with SNP8 being the predominant genotype (73%), followed by SNP6 (11%), SNP2 (9%), SNP4 (5%) and SNP1 (2%). Proportion of farms where C. burnetii DNA was detected differed among the different agricultural counties, and a higher proportion of C. burnetii DNA positive farms was associated with the occurrence of recent human Q fever outbreaks at several geographical locations. Dust sampling in domestic ruminant farms coupled with real-time PCR to screen for the presence of C. burnetii and estimate bacterial load can be a useful tool to identify herds and regions with high prevalence, define priority actions and monitor the effect of control measures. If combined with molecular genotyping and spatial distribution maps, it can help to identify farm contamination sources and trace the origin of human outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion I Zendoia
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Ceferino M López
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Eva Alonso
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno Vasco, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Unidad de Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Xabier Beraza
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno Vasco, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Unidad de Vigilancia Epidemiológica, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Blanca Ocabo
- Departamento de Agricultura, Servicio de Ganadería, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
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6
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A case report of autochthonous Q fever with pneumonia and hepatitis in northeastern China. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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7
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Elelu N, Bankole AA, Musa RJ, Odetokun IA, Rabiu M, Biobaku KT, Aremu A, Ahmed AO, Ghali MI, Raji MA, Ogo NI, Cutler SJ, Ogundipe GAT. Serospatial epidemiology of zoonotic Coxiella burnetii in a cross section of cattle and small ruminants in northern Nigeria. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240249. [PMID: 33075103 PMCID: PMC7571698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistent and highly transmissible Coxiella burnetii is a neglected infection that negatively affects reproductive parameters of livestock. It is also of zoonotic importance and has been reported to cause devastating human infections globally. Domestic ruminants represent the most frequent source of human infection. Data from Nigeria are very few and outdated. There is a significant gap in up-to-date information on the exposure, spatial distribution and risk factors of infection of this important disease. The exposure to C. burnetii was determined using sensitive serological assays in cattle and small ruminants. A total of 538 animals made up of 268 cattle and 270 small ruminants were sampled from three northern Nigerian states. The proportion of cattle sampled that were seropositive from the study locations were: Kwara 14/90 (15.6%; 95% CI: 8.8–24.7); Plateau 10/106 (9.43%; 95% CI: 4.6–16.7) and Borno 4/72 (5.56%; 95% CI: 1.5–13.6) states. Lower seroprevalence was recorded among the small ruminants sampled, with positives recorded from sheep and goat sampled from only Kwara state 6/184 (3.3%; 95% CI: 1.2–7.0); while none of the small ruminants sampled from Plateau were seropositive. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that none of the tested independent variables (village, age group, sex, breed of cattle, presence of ticks, reproductive status, and management system) were statistically significant factors associated with seropositivity of cattle for antibodies to C. burnetii. Stakeholders involved in animal husbandry should be duly educated on proper disposal of birth products as well as bodily fluids in order to reduce environmental contamination, persistence and human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusirat Elelu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ramat Jummai Musa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Musa Rabiu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdulfatai Aremu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Sally Jane Cutler
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Lafi SQ, Talafha AQ, Abu-Dalbouh MA, Hailat RS, Khalifeh MS. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) in goats and sheep in northern Jordan. Trop Anim Health Prod 2019; 52:1553-1559. [PMID: 31820305 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-019-02153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to study animal, farm, and within-farm seroprevalence of C. burnetii and to identify associated risk factors in goat and sheep farm in northern Jordan. Questionnaire was developed to collect information about risk factors and farms management practices. Blood samples from 730, ≥ 1-year-old females (goat n = 250; sheep n = 480) were randomly collected from 20 goat herds and 40 sheep flocks. IDEXX ELISA Kit was used to detect C. burnetii antibodies. The overall goat and sheep seroprevalence level was 32.5% (237/730) and was significantly higher in goats (43.3%, 108/250; 95% CI 37-49.6) than sheep (27%, 129/480; 95% CI 29.1-36.2) (χ2 test, p ≤ 0.001). Eighty percent (16/20) of goat herds and 60% (24/40) of sheep flocks had at least one seropositive animal (p ≥ 0.05). The average within goat herds and sheep flock seroprevalence were 36.4% (ranged: 0-91%) and 23.4% (ranged: 0-82%), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that seroprevalence increased 1.79 times in goat herds compared with sheep flocks, 3.2 times more in farms containing ≥ 100 animals, and 1.7 times higher in farms with their animals that were ≥ 2 years of age than in farms with their animals that are < 2 years of age. In addition, seroprevalence significantly increased 1.52 times in farms loaning bucks or rams during breeding season and 1.63 times in farms containing cats on premises (p ≤ 0.05). Farm biosecurity measures are essential to prevent introduction and minimize transmission of C. burnetii infection to humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawkat Q Lafi
- Department of Animal Pathology and Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Abdelsalam Q Talafha
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Raed S Hailat
- School of public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mohammad S Khalifeh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Souza EARD, Castro EMSD, Oliveira GMBD, Azevedo SS, Peixoto RDM, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Serological diagnosis and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii in goats and sheep in a semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2018; 27:514-520. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic agent transmitted mainly by small ruminants. In Brazil the disease has been classified as a notifiable disease since 2013, when human cases were reported. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the presence of anti- Coxiella burnetii antibodies in goats and sheep in a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil. Sera of 412 goats and 403 sheep from municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, were examined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) against antigens of C. burnetii. Information about management variables (independent variables) that could be associated with the presence of the microorganism (dependent variables) were obtained from the supervisor of each farm. It was determined that 2.2% (9/412) of the goats and 2.1% (9/403) of the sheep had antibodies reactive to C. burnetii. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was associated with the dry area of the Sequeiro (a region in the northern part of the municipality of Petrolina) (P = 0.025), male sheep (P = 0.020), and intensive goat breeding (P = 0.005). This study therefore showed the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in goat and sheep, confirming for the first time that this agent is likely circulating among goat herds in the Caatinga Biome, semi-arid of Brazil.
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Sahu R, Kale SB, Vergis J, Dhaka P, Kumar M, Choudhary M, Jain L, Choudhary BK, Rawool DB, Chaudhari SP, Kurkure NV, Malik S, Barbuddhe SB. Apparent prevalence and risk factors associated with occurrence of Coxiella burnetii infection in goats and humans in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, India. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 60:46-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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11
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Plummer PJ, McClure JT, Menzies P, Morley PS, Van den Brom R, Van Metre DC. Management of Coxiella burnetii infection in livestock populations and the associated zoonotic risk: A consensus statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1481-1494. [PMID: 30084178 PMCID: PMC6189356 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Coxiella burnetii, commonly referred to as coxiellosis when occurring in animals and Query fever when occurring in humans, are an important cause of abortions, decreased reproductive efficiency, and subclinical infections in ruminants. The organism also represents an important zoonotic concern associated with its ability to aerosolize easily and its low infectious dose. Available diagnostic tests have limited sensitivity, which combined with the absence of treatment options in animals and limited approaches to prevention, result in difficulty managing this agent for optimal animal health and zoonotic disease outcomes. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide veterinarians and public health officials with a summary of the available information regarding management of C. burnetii infection in livestock populations. A discussion of currently available testing options and their interpretation is provided, along with recommendations on management practices that can be implemented on‐farm in the face of an outbreak to mitigate losses. Emphasis is placed on biosecurity measures that can be considered for minimizing the zoonotic transmission risk in both field and veterinary facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - J Trenton McClure
- Dpeartment of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward, Canada
| | - Paula Menzies
- Department Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul S Morley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.,Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - David C Van Metre
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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12
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de Oliveira JMB, Rozental T, de Lemos ERS, Forneas D, Ortega-Mora LM, Porto WJN, da Fonseca Oliveira AA, Mota RA. Coxiella burnetii in dairy goats with a history of reproductive disorders in Brazil. Acta Trop 2018; 183:19-22. [PMID: 29621535 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular bacterium, is the agent of Q fever/coxiellosis, a worldwide zoonosis. Dairy animals are the primary reservoirs of C. burnetii, and although the disease is usually asymptomatic or subclinical, abortion is a serious clinical outcome among small ruminants. This study was conducted to investigate C. burnetii seroprevalence and infection In a flock of dairy goats in Brazil. Serum samples from 312 goats collected from a dairy goat flock with a history of reproductive failure were tested by a commercial ELISA (LSIVet Ruminant Q Fever - Serum/Milk; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lissieu, France) for anti-C. burnetii IgG antibodies. Samples of cotyledons from 23 placentas were analyzed by nested PCR for the presence of the bacterial DNA. ELISA seroreactivity was found in 55.1% (172/312; 95% CI = 49.4%-60.7%) of the serum samples analyzed. C. burnetii DNA was detected in 8.7% (2/23) of the placental samples tested, where both animals were also seropositive. This study reports the first description of C. burnetii infection in an abortion outbreak in goats in Brazil. The results point out to the importance of including this disease in animal and public health surveillance programs as well as into the list of abortive diseases in goats in Brazil.
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Still Brooks KM, Stensland WR, Harmon KM, O'Connor AM, Plummer PJ. Risk of exposure to Coxiella burnetii from ruminant livestock exhibited at Iowa agricultural fairs. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:334-338. [PMID: 29250914 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogen typically associated with clinical and asymptomatic infection in ruminant livestock. A re-emerging pathogen of significant public health importance, C. burnetii has caused recent epidemics in the United States and Europe, and public livestock exhibitions are increasingly scrutinized as a potential source of C. burnetii exposure. Although C. burnetii prevalence data among North American domestic ruminants are extremely limited, contemporary studies suggest that this pathogen is both geographically widespread and highly prevalent on a herd basis, especially in dairy cattle and goat populations. We utilized a real-time PCR assay to detect C. burnetii faecal shedding by clinically normal, non-periparturient beef cattle, meat goats and sheep exhibited at Iowa agricultural fairs. Individual faecal samples were collected from beef cattle, meat goats and sheep exhibited at twelve Iowa county fairs during the summer of 2009. The sample pool was blocked by species and fair, and ten samples from each block were randomly selected for the diagnostic assay; this test pool is considered sufficient to identify with 95% confidence a shedding animal in a population prevalence of 2.85% (cattle and sheep) and 6.25% (goats). Detection of C. burnetii DNA was determined through use of a real-time PCR assay validated for use in bovine, ovine and caprine faeces; threshold of detection is one DNA copy per PCR (sensitivity 95.8%, specificity 100%). All tested samples were negative for C. burnetii DNA. We conclude that non-dairy, non-periparturient ruminants exhibited at Iowa fairs are unlikely to shed C. burnetii in their faeces and that this population should not be considered to be a significant exposure risk to other livestock or fair attendees.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Still Brooks
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - W R Stensland
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - K M Harmon
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - A M O'Connor
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - P J Plummer
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Meadows S, Jones-Bitton A, McEwen SA, Jansen J, Patel SN, Filejski C, Menzies P. Coxiella burnetii(Q Fever) Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors in Sheep and Goat Farm Workers in Ontario, Canada. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:643-9. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Meadows
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Scott A. McEwen
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Jansen
- Veterinary Science and Policy, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Elora, Canada
| | - Samir N. Patel
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Paula Menzies
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Fernández-Aguilar X, Cabezón Ó, Colom-Cadena A, Lavín S, López-Olvera JR. Serological survey of Coxiella burnetii at the wildlife-livestock interface in the Eastern Pyrenees, Spain. Acta Vet Scand 2016; 58:26. [PMID: 27121001 PMCID: PMC4848809 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-016-0209-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium that infects a wide range of animal species and causes the disease Q fever. Both wild and domestic ruminants may be relevant in the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection. In order to investigate the significance of the ruminant host community in the alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the Eastern Pyrenees, Northeastern Spain, in the epidemiology of Q fever, a serological survey was performed on samples from 599 wild and 353 sympatric domestic ruminants. RESULTS Specific antibodies against C. burnetii were detected with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Domestic sheep showed the highest prevalence (12.7 %, CI 95 % 8.6-16.9), followed by European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) with a 6.8 % prevalence (CI 95 % 1.6-12.1), red deer (Cervus elaphus) with 2.4 % (CI 95 % 0-5.6), and cattle with a prevalence of 1.1 % (CI 95 % 0-3.2). No positive domestic goats, fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) were detected. Sheep flock prevalence was 75 % (nine of the 12 sheep flocks sampled were positive, within-flock prevalence ranging from 11.1 to 25.0 %), whereas cattle herd prevalence was 11.1 % (one out of the nine cattle herds sampled was positive, within-herd prevalence of 10.0 %. CONCLUSIONS Both domestic and wild ruminants from the alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the Eastern Pyrenees were exposed to C. burnetii. The higher seroprevalence in sheep and its relative abundance suggest that this species may have a major contribution to the ecology of C. burnetii. Conversely, wild ruminants do not seem to represent a relevant host community for C. burnetii maintenance in the Eastern Pyrenees.
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