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Trujillo M, Conan A, Calchi AC, Mertens-Scholz K, Becker A, Gallagher C, Mau A, Marchi S, Machado M, André MR, Chapwanya A, Müller A. Bacterial burden and molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii in shedding pregnant and postpartum ewes from Saint Kitts. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:102188. [PMID: 38691873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial burden and perform molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii during shedding in pregnant (vaginal, mucus and feces) and postpartum (vaginal mucus, feces and milk) ewes from Saint Kitts. Positive IS1111 DNA (n=250) for C. burnetii samples from pregnant (n=87) and postpartum (n=74) Barbados Blackbelly ewes in a previous investigation were used for this study. Vaginal mucus (n=118), feces (n=100), and milk (n=32) positive IS1111 C. burnetii-DNA were analysed by real time qPCR (icd gene). For molecular characterization of C. burnetii, selected (n=10) IS1111 qPCR positive samples were sequenced for fragments of the IS1111 element and the 16 S rRNA gene. nBLAST, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses were performed. Vaginal mucus, feces and milk had estimated equal amounts of bacterial DNA (icd copies), and super spreaders were detected within the fecal samples. C. burnetii haplotypes had moderate to high diversity, were ubiquitous worldwide and similar to previously described in ruminants and ticks and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Trujillo
- Graduate Program, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Anne Conan
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Anna Becker
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Christa Gallagher
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Alex Mau
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Silvia Marchi
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Marcus Machado
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Clinical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Ananda Müller
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Ebani VV. Coxiella burnetii Infection in Cats. Pathogens 2023; 12:1415. [PMID: 38133298 PMCID: PMC10747756 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121415] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, with farm ruminants being considered the main sources of infection for humans. However, there have been several cases of the disease in people that have been related to domestic cats as well. Cats can become infected through various routes, including ingestion of raw milk, hunting and consuming infected rodents and birds, consumption of contaminated pet food, inhalation of contaminated aerosols and dust, and bites from hematophagous arthropods. Infected cats typically do not show symptoms, but pregnant queens may experience abortion or give birth to weak kittens. Accurate diagnosis using serological and molecular methods is crucial in detecting infected cats, allowing for prompt action with appropriate treatments and preventive measures. Breeders, cattery personnel, veterinarians, and owners should be informed about the risks of C. burnetii infections associated with cats experiencing reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Abdelbaset AE, Kwak ML, Nonaka N, Nakao R. Human-biting ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in North Africa: diversity, distribution, and trans-Mediterranean public health challenges. One Health 2023; 16:100547. [PMID: 37363219 PMCID: PMC10288109 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
North Africa is home to more than 200 million people living across five developing economies (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco) and two Spanish exclaves (Ceuta and Melilla), many of whom are impacted by ticks and tick-borne zoonoses. Populations in Europe are also increasingly vulnerable to North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses due to a combination of climate change and the movement of ticks across the Mediterranean on migratory birds, human travellers, and trafficked wildlife. The human-biting ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North Africa are reviewed along with their distribution in the region. We also assess present and future challenges associated with ticks and tick-borne zoonoses in North African and highlight opportunities for collaboration and coordination between governments in Europe and North Africa to address public health challenges posed by North African ticks and tick-borne zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset Eweda Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
- Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mackenzie L. Kwak
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N18 W9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
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Zarea AAK, Tempesta M, Fouad EA, Ndiana LA, Mahmoud MS, Mrenoshki D, Martella V, Decaro N, Chomel B, Greco G. Prevalence of Bartonella spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and others vector-borne pathogens in private-owned dogs and cats, Egypt. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106857. [PMID: 36775003 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on dog and cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence estimates of selected vector-borne pathogens in client-owned pets from the Giza and Cairo governorates, Egypt. Out of 200 dogs and 100 cats, 94 (47%) and 23 (23%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens (P<0.0001). In particular, 84 (42%) dogs and 3 (3%) cats tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. (P<0.0001). A significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. was detected in dogs from the rural areas of the Giza governorate (60/77, 79.2%, P<0.0001) compared to those from Cairo governorate. Bartonella henselae was the dominant species infecting dogs (81/200, 40.5%) followed by Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii (3/200, 1.5%), while B. henselae (2/100, 2%) and B. clarridgeiae were rare in cats. Haemoplasma DNA was detected in 17% (34/200) of dogs and 20% (20/100) of cats with increased risk in dogs from Giza rural areas (21/77, 27.27%, P=0.002) and from both dogs (16/63, 25.40%, P=0.03) and cats (7/14, 50%, P<0.002) with anemia. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (30/200, 15%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (4/200, 2%) in dogs and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (18/100, 18%) and M. haemofelis (2/100, 2%) in cats were detected. Additionally, 2 dogs were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coinfections were detected in dogs, with the majority (23/200, 11.5%) including B. henselae and C.M. haematoparvum, followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis and C.M. haematoparvum (2/200, 1%) and B. henselae, CMhp and C. burnetii (2/200, 1%). Haemoplasma infection was high in Egyptian dogs and cats with a high prevalence for zoonotic Bartonella spp. in dogs with anemia, highlighting the need to investigate these agents in the diagnostic algorithm of anemia and to adopt preventive measures to protect both animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A K Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - E A Fouad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - L A Ndiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M S Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - D Mrenoshki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - V Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - N Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - G Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
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Coxiella burnetii in Dogs and Cats from Portugal: Serological and Molecular Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121525. [PMID: 36558859 PMCID: PMC9787635 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs and cats are potential sources of infection for some zoonotic diseases such as Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, a multiple host pathogen. Q fever outbreaks in dogs and cats have been related with parturition and abortion events, and ticks have a potential role in the transmission of this pathogen. This study aimed to screen for C. burnetii in dogs and cats, and in ticks collected from infested animals. An observational descriptive study was conducted in Portugal at two time points nine years apart, 2012 and 2021. Sera obtained from dogs and cats (total n = 294) were tested for C. burnetii antibodies using a commercial ELISA adapted for multi-species detection. C. burnetii DNA was screened by qPCR assay targeting IS1111 in uterine samples and in ticks. A decrease in the exposure to C. burnetii was observed in cats from 17.2% (95% CI: 5.8−35.8%) in 2012 to 0.0% in 2021, and in dogs from 12.6% (95% CI: 7.7−19.0%) in 2012 to 1.7% (95% CI: 0.3−9.1%) in 2021 (p < 0.05). Overall, and despite differences in the samples, rural habitat seems to favour the exposure to C. burnetii. The DNA of C. burnetii was not detected in ticks. The low seropositivity observed in 2021 and the absence of C. burnetii DNA in the tested samples, suggest that dogs and cats from Portugal are not often exposed to the pathogen. Nevertheless, the monitoring of C. burnetii infection in companion animals is an important tool to prevent human outbreaks, considering the zoonotic potential for owners and veterinarians contacting infected animals, mainly dogs and cats from rural areas which often come into contact with livestock.
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Celina SS, Cerný J. Coxiella burnetii in ticks, livestock, pets and wildlife: A mini-review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1068129. [PMID: 36439350 PMCID: PMC9691889 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1068129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium with an obligatory intracellular lifestyle and has a worldwide distribution. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Coxiella burnetii infection is of public and veterinary health and economic concern due to its potential for rapid spread and highly infectious nature. Livestock are the primary source of C. burnetii infection in most Q fever outbreaks which occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated particles. Aside from livestock, many cases of Q fever linked to exposure to wildlife. Changes in the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions may lead to an increased potential risk of interspecies transmission and contribute to the emergence/re-emergence of Q fever. Although C. burnetii transmission is mainly airborne, ticks may act as vectors and play an important role in the natural cycle of transmission of coxiellosis among wild vertebrates and livestock. In this review, we aim to compile available information on vectors, domestic, and wild hosts of C. burnetii, and to highlight their potential role as bacterial reservoirs in the transmission of C. burnetii.
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Maggi RG, Halls V, Krämer F, Lappin M, Pennisi MG, Peregrine AS, Roura X, Schunack B, Scorza V, Tasker S, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Bowman DD, Breitschwerdt EB, Capelli G, Cardoso L, Dantas-Torres F, Dobler G, Ferrer L, Gradoni L, Irwin P, Jongejan F, Kempf VAJ, Kohn B, Little S, Madder M, Maia C, Marcondes M, Miró G, Naucke T, Oliva G, Otranto D, Penzhorn BL, Pfeffer M, Sainz Á, Shin S, Solano-Gallego L, Straubinger RK, Traub R, Wright I. Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:415. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLarge populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.
Graphical Abstract
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El-Mokhtar MA, Sayed IM, Kamel AM, Mesalam AA, Elgohary EA, Khalaf KAB, Adel S, Elfadl AA, Khalifa WA, Ramadan HKA. The First Report of Coxiella burnetii as a Potential Neglected Pathogen of Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Causes in Egypt. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2168. [PMID: 36363760 PMCID: PMC9693106 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently alerted the emergence of new pathogens causing acute hepatitis in children across several countries. This new situation directs us to the screening of neglected pathogens that cause acute hepatitis. Q-fever is a zoonotic disease, caused by Coxiella burnetii. Although a high seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii was recorded in animals present in Egypt, Q-fever is still a neglected disease, and the diagnosis of Q-fever is not routinely performed in Egyptian hospitals. In this study, we performed a retrospective assessment for Coxiella burnetii in cases of hepatitis of unknown causes (HUC) enrolled in Assiut University hospitals, in Egypt. Out of 64 samples of HUC, 54 samples were negative for all hepatitis markers, labeled as acute hepatitis of unknown etiology (AHUE), and 10 samples tested positive for adenovirus and Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Q-fever was detected in 3 out of 54 (5.6%) of AHUE, and one sample was confirmed as coinfection of HEV/Q-fever. Jaundice was the most common clinical symptom developed in the patients. In conclusion, Coxiella burnetii was found to be a potential cause of acute hepatitis in HUC. The diagnosis of Q-fever should be considered in acute hepatitis cases in Egyptian hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M. Sayed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ayat M. Kamel
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Atef Mesalam
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Elsayed A. Elgohary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Khaled Abo bakr Khalaf
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Sara Adel
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine Al-Azhar University-Assiut Branch, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Azza Abo Elfadl
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Walaa A. Khalifa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Haidi Karam-Allah Ramadan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
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Tharappel AM, Li Z, Li H. Inteins as Drug Targets and Therapeutic Tools. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:821146. [PMID: 35211511 PMCID: PMC8861304 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.821146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant pathogens are of significant concern in recent years. Hence new antifungal and anti-bacterial drug targets are urgently needed before the situation goes beyond control. Inteins are polypeptides that self-splice from exteins without the need for cofactors or external energy, resulting in joining of extein fragments. Inteins are present in many organisms, including human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, C. gattii, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Because intein elements are not present in human genes, they are attractive drug targets to develop antifungals and antibiotics. Thus far, a few inhibitors of intein splicing have been reported. Metal-ions such as Zn2+ and Cu2+, and platinum-containing compound cisplatin inhibit intein splicing in M. tuberculosis and C. neoformans by binding to the active site cysteines. A small-molecule inhibitor 6G-318S and its derivative 6G-319S are found to inhibit intein splicing in C. neoformans and C. gattii with a MIC in nanomolar concentrations. Inteins have also been used in many other applications. Intein can be used in activating a protein inside a cell using small molecules. Moreover, split intein can be used to deliver large genes in experimental gene therapy and to kill selected species in a mixed population of microbes by taking advantage of the toxin-antitoxin system. Furthermore, split inteins are used in synthesizing cyclic peptides and in developing cell culture model to study infectious viruses including SARS-CoV-2 in the biosafety level (BSL) 2 facility. This mini-review discusses the recent research developments of inteins in drug discovery and therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Mathew Tharappel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Hongmin Li,
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Drážovská M, Prokeš M, Vojtek B, Mojžišová J, Ondrejková A, Korytár Ľ. First serological record of Coxiella burnetii infection in the equine population of Slovakia. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCoxiella burnetii is a worldwide zoonotic pathogen causing Q fever in various animal species and humans. In Slovakia, cases of C. burnetii infection in both animals and humans are confirmed every year. The role of horses in the epidemiology of this neglected disease is still unclear. In our study, we focused on a serosurvey of C. burnetii in the equine population in Slovakia by the ELISA method. Subsequently, a nested PCR was performed to detect the 16S rRNA fragment of the genus Coxiella. Among 184 horse sera, the presence of specific antibodies to C. burnetii was detected in four samples, representing a 2.17% seropositivity. All the positive horses were mares; two originated from Central Slovakia and two from Eastern Slovakia. Although the number of positive samples was too small for a determination of statistical significance, our results provide the first confirmation of antibodies to C. burnetii in horses from Slovakia. Although no positive PCR result was obtained, these serological findings may help to clarify the circulation of the pathogen in the environment.
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