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Bauer BU, Herms TL, Jahnke R, Ossowski N, Walter MC, Frangoulidis D, Runge M, Ganter M, Knittler MR. Control of Coxiella burnetii shedding in a dairy goat herd by annual offspring vaccination. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00787-4. [PMID: 39025699 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.07.026] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
A Coxiella burnetii vaccination program, targeting only doelings, was introduced on a German goat farm to curb bacterial shedding. In 2018, adults were vaccinated with a C. burnetii Phase I vaccine at three-weeks apart following pathogen diagnosis, with a booster administered six months later due to sustained high shedding. From 2018 to 2021, doelings received two vaccine doses without any further boosters. To assess the program's efficacy, vaginal swabs from up to 40 animals per age group were collected during kidding seasons from 2019 to 2022. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were gathered monthly from January 2018 to October 2022 to monitor herd-level shedding. Real-time PCR analysis determined genome equivalents in all three sample types. Serum samples were taken before the initial immunization and during the post-kidding season from up to 40 goats per age group annually from 2018 to 2022. Phase-specific ELISAs determined IgG Phase I and Phase II antibodies. Additionally, two serum samples per age group from 2022 were analyzed using a neutralization assay. A few goats continued shedding small quantities during subsequent kidding seasons. Although positive BTM samples decreased, they displayed an undulating trend. Most age groups exhibited robust IgG Phase I responses and lower IgG Phase II levels post immunization. Mean IgG levels remained elevated until the study ended compared to pre-vaccination levels in most age groups. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies were present regardless of IgG response. Overall, double vaccination induced lasting antibody levels, but did not entirely prevent C. burnetii shedding. The resilience of the observed humoral immune activity requires further investigation.
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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; Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - T Louise Herms
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Rico Jahnke
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - Nina Ossowski
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mathias C Walter
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany.
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - 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.
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
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Cifo D, Estévez-Reboredo RM, González-Barrio D, Jado I, Gómez-Barroso D. Epidemiology of Q fever in humans in four selected regions, Spain, 2016 to 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300688. [PMID: 38967015 PMCID: PMC11225260 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.27.2300688] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundQ fever is a bacterial zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Spain has the highest number of notified human cases in Europe. Small ruminants are a key reservoir for the pathogen, transmission from animals to humans is usually airborne.AimWe aimed at exploring temporal and spatial epidemiological patterns of sporadic and outbreak cases of Q fever in four Spanish regions with the highest number of notified cases.MethodsWe extracted data on Q fever cases in the Canary Islands, Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre between 2016 and 2022 from the Spanish National Epidemiological Surveillance Network. We calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIR), spatial relative risks (sRR) and posterior probabilities (PP) utilising Besag-York-Mollié models.ResultsThere were 1,059 notifications, with a predominance of males aged 30-60 years. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, 11 outbreaks were reported, while no in the Canary Islands. A seasonal increase in incidence rates was observed between March and June. In the Canary Islands, elevated sRR was seen in La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In Basque Country, La Rioja and Navarre area, the highest sRR was identified in the south of Biscay province.ConclusionGoats were the main source for humans in outbreaks reported in the literature. Seasonal increase may be related to the parturition season of small ruminants and specific environmental conditions. Local variations in sRR within these regions likely result from diverse environmental factors. Future One Health-oriented studies are essential to deepen our understanding of Q fever epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cifo
- UNED - ENS Mixed Research Institute (IMIENS), Spain
- Carlos III Health Institute - National School of Public Health (ISCIII - ENS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David González-Barrio
- Carlos III Health Institute - National Microbiology Centre (ISCIII - CNM). Department of Bacteriology. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- Carlos III Health Institute - National Microbiology Centre (ISCIII - CNM). Department of Bacteriology. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Gómez-Barroso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Carlos III Health Institute - National Centre of Epidemiology (ISCIII - CNE), Madrid, Spain
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Bauer BU, Peters M, Herms TL, Runge M, Wohlsein P, Jensen TK, Ganter M. Detection of Coxiella burnetii in the mammary gland of a dairy goat. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1341-1352. [PMID: 38236458 PMCID: PMC11147866 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10233-8] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii can be excreted by infected goats through birth products and milk. The detection of C. burnetii DNA in the mammary gland tissue of infected dairy goats and intermittent milk shedders has been reported, but confirmation of C. burnetii bacteria in the udder remained pending. The pathogen caused abortions in a 152-head dairy goat herd, resulting in the vaccination against C. burnetii of the entire herd with annual boosters. To monitor the C. burnetii shedding at herd level, monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were analyzed using PCR (IS1111). Despite vaccination, C. burnetii DNA was detected in BTM samples within the first 16 months of the study. Therefore, individual milk samples were tested on four different occasions several months apart to identify potential intermittent milk shedders. Only one goat (#67455) tested positive three times. This goat was necropsied to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in the udder and other organs. PCR detected C. burnetii DNA solely in both mammary glands and the left teat cistern. Immunohistological examination identified C. burnetii antigen in mammary gland tissue, confirmed by the detection of C. burnetii bacteria in the mammary epithelial cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The removal of goat #67455 led to negative BTM samples until the end of the study. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of C. burnetii in the mammary gland of a naturally infected and vaccinated goat. The presence possibly contributed to intermittent milk shedding of goat #67455, and the mammary gland tissue may serve as a replicative niche for C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover, 30173, Germany.
| | - Martin Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Zur Taubeneiche 10-12, Arnsberg, 59821, Germany
| | - T Louise Herms
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, Hannover, 30173, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, Hannover, 30173, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, 30559, Germany
| | - Tim K Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Henrik Dams Allé, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, Frederiksberg C, 1870, Denmark
| | - Martin Ganter
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover, 30173, Germany
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Liu P, Wu J, Ma W, Yang Y, Lv L, Cai J, Liu Z, He J, Shang Y, Li Z, Cao X. Molecular detection and characterization of Coxiella burnetii in aborted samples of livestock in China. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107163. [PMID: 38428630 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107163] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of zoonotic Q fever. Animals are the natural reservoirs of C. burnetii, and domestic livestock represent the major sources of human infection. C. burnetii infection in pregnant females may causes abortion during late pregnancy, whereby massive shedding of C. burnetii with abortion products becomes aerosolized and persists in the environment. Therefore, monitoring and surveillance of this infection in livestock is important for the prevention of the C. burnetii transmission. Previous serological surveys have shown that C. burnetii infection is endemic in livestock in China. However, few data are available on the diagnosis of C. burnetii as a cause of abortion by molecular methods in livestock. To get a better understanding of the impact of C. burnetii infection on domestic livestock in China, a real-time PCR investigation was carried out on collected samples from different domestic livestock suffering abortion during 2021-2023. A total of 338 samples collected from eight herds of five livestock species were elected. The results showed that 223 (66 %) of the collected samples were positive for C. burnetii DNA using real-time PCR. For the aborted samples, 82 % (128/15) of sheep, 81 % (34/42) of goats, 44 % (15/34) of cattle, 69 % (18/26) of camels, and 50 % (17/34) of donkeys were positive for C. burnetii. Besides, 44 % (8/18) and 4 % (1/25) of asymptomatic individuals of sheep and donkey were also positive for C. burnetii. In addition, the positive samples were further confirmed by amplification and sequencing of the C. burnetii-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (icd) gene. Phylogenetic analysis based on specific gene fragments of icd genes revealed that the obtained sequences in this study were clustered into two different groups associated with different origin of hosts and geographic regions. This is the first report confirming that C. burnetii exists in aborted samples of sheep, goats, cattle, donkeys and camels in China. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the epidemiology of this pathogen in livestock as well as the potential risks to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jinyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Weimin Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Yamin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Lv Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Zhijie Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jijun He
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Youjun Shang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Zhaocai Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China.
| | - Xiaoan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China.
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Mertens-Scholz K, Moawad AA, Liebler-Tenorio EM, Helming A, Andrack J, Miethe P, Neubauer H, Pletz MW, Richter IG. Ultraviolet C inactivation of Coxiella burnetii for production of a structurally preserved whole cell vaccine antigen. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:118. [PMID: 38575865 PMCID: PMC10993581 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Q fever, a worldwide-occurring zoonotic disease, can cause economic losses for public and veterinary health systems. Vaccines are not yet available worldwide and currently under development. In this regard, it is important to produce a whole cell antigen, with preserved structural and antigenic properties and free of chemical modifications. Thus, inactivation of Coxiella burnetii with ultraviolet light C (UVC) was evaluated. C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and phase II (NMII) were exposed to decreasing intensities in a time-dependent manner and viability was tested by rescue cultivation in axenic medium or cell culture. Effects on the cell structure were visualized by transmission electron microscopy and antigenicity of UVC-treated NMI was studied by immunization of rabbits. NMI and NMII were inactivated at UVC intensities of 250 µW/cm2 for 5 min or 100 µW/cm2 for 20 min. Reactivation by DNA repair was considered to be unlikely. No morphological changes were observed directly after UVC inactivation by transmission electron microscopy, but severe swelling and membrane degradation of bacteria with increasing severity occurred after 24 and 48 h. Immunization of rabbits resulted in a pronounced antibody response. UVC inactivation of C. burnetii resulted in a structural preserved, safe whole cell antigen and might be useful as antigen for diagnostic purposes or as vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany.
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Amira A Moawad
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Helming
- Department of In Vitro Diagnostics Development, Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Jennifer Andrack
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Miethe
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Bad Langensalza, Germany
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ina-Gabriele Richter
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology, Bad Langensalza, Germany
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Choi Y, Yeh JY, Lee JK, Michelow IC, Park S. Risk factors associated with Coxiella burnetii in wild boars: A study in South Korea. Prev Vet Med 2024; 225:106157. [PMID: 38452603 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106157] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease Q fever. Wild boars serve as reservoirs for C. burnetii. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection in wild boars. We analyzed the data from 975 wild boar samples collected from June to November 2021 in South Korea. We utilized the indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. A sample optical density to positive-control optical density value exceeding 50% was classified as positive. We gathered data on the forestation, terrain, weather, agriculture, and animal density of the region where the samples were collected. Continuous variables were categorized into tertiles. We performed a univariate logistic regression analysis and included variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. In our multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars, we used a forward selection method to enter variables based on the order of their significance. We performed the final multivariable logistic regression analyses using either continuous variables or variables categorized into tertiles. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 14.6% (n=142). Locations with the highest maximum wind speeds (3.92-8.24 m/s) showed a 59% increase in infection odds compared to locations with the lowest speeds (1.45-3.25 m/s)(p=0.044). For each 1 m/s increase in maximum wind speed, infection odds increased by 24.1% (p=0.037). Regions with the highest percentage of paddy fields per area (8.3-45%) showed a 76% increase in infection odds compared to regions with the lowest percentage (0-1.5%)(p=0.011). For each 1% increase in the proportion of paddy fields per area, infection odds increased by 3.3% (p=0.003). High maximum wind speed and a high percentage of paddy field were identified as significant risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyeon Choi
- Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yong Yeh
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jong Koo Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Ian C Michelow
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA
| | - Sangshin Park
- Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Urban Big Data Convergence, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Medical School, Providence, USA.
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Böttcher J, Alex M, Dänicke S, Gethmann J, Mertens-Scholz K, Janowetz B. Susceptibility, Immunity, and Persistent Infection Drive Endemic Cycles of Coxiellosis on Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1056. [PMID: 38612295 PMCID: PMC11011148 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a zoonotic bacterium, is prevalent in dairy farms. Some cows develop a persistent infection and shed C. burnetii into milk and occasionally by amniotic fluid at calving. Serological diagnosis of Q fever in humans is performed by phase (Ph)-specific antibody tests; PhII antibodies usually indicate an acute infection, while the development of a chronic infection is characterised by elevated PhI antibody titres. Phase-specific tests have now been established for diagnosis of coxiellosis in cattle. Additionally, an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) recall assay has been implemented to assess cellular immunity to C. burnetii in cattle. Milk samples from all lactating cows (n = 2718) of 49 Bavarian dairy farms were collected through a convenience sample and analysed for phase-specific antibodies. Antibody profiles were evaluated by age. Based on the seropositivity of first-lactation cows, three distinct herd profiles were observed: an 'acute' state of herd infection was characterised by a PhI-/PhII+ pattern. The detection of PhI antibodies (PhI+/PhII+) characterised the 'chronic' state, and seronegative results defined the 'silent' state of herd infection. If antibodies had not been detected in multiparous cows, the herd was considered as probably free of coxiellosis. The analysed cattle herds were noted to have an 'acute' (n = 12, 24.5%), 'chronic' (n = 18, 36.8%), or 'silent' state of herd infection (n = 16, 32.6%). Only three farms (6.1%) were classified as 'free' of C. burnetii. The detection of these herd states over a time period of 4 years in one farm indicated that the described states occur in a cyclical manner. Frequently, a wave-like profile was seen, i.e., a circumscribed seronegative age group was flanked by seropositive age groups. In seronegative animals, IFN-γ reactivity was demonstrated. Seroconversion after vaccination was observed by day 7 post-vaccination in chronically infected herds, whereas in the case of silent infection, it started by day 14. These data indicated a pre-existing immunity in seronegative animals in chronically infected herds. Additionally, IFN-γ reactivity was detected in seronegative calves (>3 months) and heifers from chronically infected farms compared to a negative farm. An infection prior to 3 months of age resulted in cellular immunity in the absence of detectable antibodies. An infection around calving would explain this. The aforementioned circumscribed seronegative age groups are, therefore, explained by an infection early in life during active shedding at calving. Based on these results, an endemic cycle of coxiellosis is proposed: Susceptible young heifers get infected by persistently infected cows. Subsequently, shedding of C. burnetii at calving results in infection and then in cellular immunity in offspring. When these calves enter the cow herd two years later, a maximum of herd immunity is achieved, shedding ceases, and new susceptible animals are raised. In an acutely infected dairy farm, the PhI+/PhII+ serological pattern prevailed in second-lactation cows. In this study, stored sera collected since birth were analysed retrospectively. From the earliest seroconversion, the peak of seroconversion took about 33 months. These data suggested a slow spread of infection within herds. The classification of dairy cow herds is a promising basis for further analysis of the clinical impact of coxiellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Michaela Alex
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 37, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Straße 96a, D-07743 Jena, Germany;
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
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Zendoia II, Barandika JF, Cevidanes A, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL. Coxiella burnetii infection persistence in a goat herd during seven kidding seasons after an outbreak of abortions: the effect of vaccination. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0220123. [PMID: 38412030 PMCID: PMC10952520 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02201-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii infection was monitored during seven kidding seasons (2017-2023) in a dairy goat herd that after an outbreak of Q fever abortions was vaccinated with an inactivated phase I vaccine. Due to the high infection rate just after the outbreak, only the replacement stock was vaccinated during the first three kidding seasons, and when the average herd immunity had decreased (fourth kidding season onwards), the whole herd was vaccinated. Vaginal swabs, feces, and milk were analyzed by PCR to monitor infection, and dust and aerosols were analyzed to measure C. burnetii environmental contamination. One year after the onset of the outbreak, a significant reduction in C. burnetii shedding loads was observed, but the percentage of shedding animals remained high until the third kidding season. By the seventh kidding season, no shedders were detected. The bacterial load excreted was significantly lower in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated animals, and in yearlings compared with multiparous. C. burnetii was detected by PCR in aerosols collected inside the animal premises throughout the study period except in the last season; whereas, aerosols collected outdoors tested negative in the last three kidding seasons. Viable C. burnetii was detectable in environmental dust collected inside the barn until the third kidding season following the outbreak. These results indicate that after an outbreak of Q fever, the risk of infection for humans and susceptible animals can remain high for at least three kidding seasons when the number of C. burnetii animal shedders is still high, even when bacterial excretion is low. IMPORTANCE Q fever is a zoonosis distributed worldwide. Ruminants are the main reservoir, and infection can cause high rates of abortion. After entering a farm, Coxiella burnetii infection can persist in the animal population over several lambing/kidding periods. Once infection is established in a herd, vaccination with the inactivated Phase I vaccine significantly reduces bacterial shedding, but although at low levels, excretion may continue to occur for several lambing/kidding seasons. The time that C. burnetii remains viable in the farm environment after an outbreak of Q fever determines the period when risk of infection is high for the people in close contact. This work showed that this period extends at least three kidding seasons after the outbreak. These results provided valuable information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in goat herds and may help to develop guidelines for controlling the disease and reducing infection risk for susceptible people and animals.
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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, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesús F. Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana L. García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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Böttcher J, Bauer BU, Ambros C, Alex M, Domes U, Roth S, Boll K, Korneli M, Bogner KH, Randt A, Janowetz B. The immune response to a Coxiella burnetii vaccine in sheep varies according to their natural pre-exposure. Vaccine 2024; 42:1993-2003. [PMID: 38388237 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.048] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Q fever in humans is caused by Coxiella (C.) burnetii. In 2008 and 2012, cases of Q fever in humans were linked to an infected flock of approximately 650 ewes. Since 2013 gimmers (G'13, G'14, G'15 etc.) were primary vaccinated (two doses) with an inactivated C.burnetii vaccine without any revaccination. In 2013, 30 ewes were primary vaccinated (A'13). Shedding was annually monitored by qPCR-testing of vaginal and nasal swabs collected at lambing. Animals were tested for Phase I- (PhI) and PhII-antibodies (Ab) and for PhII-specific-interferon-γ (IFN-γ) before and after vaccination. The effect of a revaccination was determined in 2018 and 2023. Groups of randomly selected gimmers primary vaccinated in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and a mixed group of older animals (A'13, G'13 and G'14) were revaccinated once in 2018. The trial was repeated in 2023 on groups primary vaccinated in 2019-2023. Major shedding after the outbreak in 2012 ceased in 2014. Thereafter C.burnetii was only sporadically detected at low-level in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Sheep naturally exposed to C.burnetii during the outbreak in 2012 (A'13, G'13) mounted a strong and complete (PhI, PhII, IFN-γ) recall immune response after vaccination. A serological PhI+/PhII+ pattern dominated after vaccination. In contrast, since 2014 a weaker immune response (PhII-titre, IFN-γ) and a dominance of the PhI-/PhII+ pattern was observed in vaccinated gimmers. The number of serologically non-responding gimmers to vaccination increased to 25.0 % in G'16/G'17 and 40.4 % in G'19/G'20. But revaccination even three (G'15 in 2018) and four (G'19 in 2023) years after primary vaccination resulted in a strong and complete immune response. No difference of the immune response nor to more recently primary vaccinated animals (G'23 in 2023) nor to those animals that were present during the outbreak (A'13/G'13/G'14 in 2018) was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany.
| | - Benjamin U Bauer
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Christina Ambros
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Michaela Alex
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Ursula Domes
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Sabine Roth
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt, Germany
| | - Kerstin Boll
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Korneli
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Bogner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Randt
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
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10
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Toledo-Perona R, Contreras A, Gomis J, Quereda JJ, García-Galán A, Sánchez A, Gómez-Martín Á. Controlling Coxiella burnetii in naturally infected sheep, goats and cows, and public health implications: a scoping review. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1321553. [PMID: 38425838 PMCID: PMC10901991 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1321553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease which domestic ruminants are the main source of infection for humans. This scoping review summarizes the control measures currently available to reduce Coxiella burnetii (Cb) infection in naturally infected sheep, goat and cattle herds. A total of 28 articles were included in the review. A lack of methodological standardization was noted in the articles analyzed. The results indicated that long-term vaccination in cows reduces bacterial excretion in milk and environmental contamination. In small ruminants, the results of vaccination in terms of efficacy are variable. In goats, there is a reduction in bacterial excretion, unlike in sheep, where a long-term vaccination program is necessary to reduce bacterial excretion. Moreover, the high persistence of viable Cb in the environment means that control measures for sheep are needed for several years. The use of antibiotics as a control measure in cows and sheep was not found to reduce excretion. However, the combination of vaccination with antibiotic therapy appears to have positive effects in small ruminants in terms of controlling outbreaks of Q fever. Hygiene and biosecurity measures are the basic means for controlling Cb infection on ruminant farms and ensuring public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Toledo-Perona
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBio), Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Gomis
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBio), Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan José Quereda
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- Research Group Intracellular Pathogens: Biology and Infection, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana García-Galán
- Department of Animal Health, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Sánchez
- Department of Animal Health, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ángel Gómez-Martín
- Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (ProVaginBio), Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology. Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Welch JL, Branan M, Urie N, Shrestha R, Wiedenheft A, Marshall K, Robbe-Austerman S, Shanmuganatham KK. Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in domestic goat does in the United States: Prevalence, distribution, and associated risk factors. Prev Vet Med 2024; 223:106114. [PMID: 38198901 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106114] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause coxiellosis in animals and Q fever in humans. Coxiellosis a consistently underreported infectious disease. The infection can result in reproductive consequences for humans and animals. Ruminants are a reservoir for infection and humans are generally infected via aerosolized secretions, making it a public health concern. Studies of ruminant seroprevalence are generally limited in size and scope. This study determined seroprevalence in a large-scale U.S. population of female goats using serum samples from 7736 does from 24 states. This study identified C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States domestic goat population. Overall, 14.5 % (SE = 2.3) of does were seropositive and 21.0 % (SE = 2.4) of operations had at least 1 seropositive doe. Further, operation demographics and herd management practices associated with seropositivity were as follows: the suspected or confirmed presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), Johne's disease, or sore mouth in the herd in the previous 3 years, not cleaning or disinfecting the kidding areas or removing aborting does from other does, allowing visitors to access the kidding areas, and a lower percentage of adult goat inventory that were adult bucks or wethers. Furthermore, goat breed was associated with seropositivity. These data show C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States and identify operation and animal characteristics and management practices associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Together, this information can be used to help limit animal transmission, inform public health measures, and help educate and protect individuals working with goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Welch
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Matthew Branan
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Natalie Urie
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Ram Shrestha
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alyson Wiedenheft
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Katherine Marshall
- National Animal Health Monitoring System, Veterinary Services, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Suelee Robbe-Austerman
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Karthik K Shanmuganatham
- Method Development and Scientific Support, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, USA
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12
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Farag SI, Cano-Terriza D, Gonzálvez M, Salman D, Aref NEM, Mubaraki MA, Jiménez-Martín D, García-Bocanegra I, Elmahallawy EK. Serosurvey of selected reproductive pathogens in domestic ruminants from Upper Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1267640. [PMID: 37937151 PMCID: PMC10625909 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1267640] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and Q fever are among the most important abortifacient diseases in ruminants worldwide. These diseases result in huge economic losses in livestock besides the fact that some of are of public health concern. The present study aimed to update the data about the current seroepidemiological situation of these diseases in Upper Egypt. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from small and large ruminants and serologically tested against the presence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. burnetii. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the potential risk factors associated with the exposure to these pathogens. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 47.9% (197/411) with an individual seropositivity of 59.4% (63/106), 58.6% (17/29), 38.8% (54/139) and 46% (63/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Meanwhile, 9.7% (38/411) of the examined animals were tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with an individual seropositivity of 13.2% (12/106), 34.5% (10/29), 8.6% (12/139) and 2.9% (4/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Furthermore, the overall prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii was 17.3% (63/411), and exposure to this pathogen was detected in 4.7% (5/106) of cattle, 19.3% (20/129) of sheep, 29.2% (38/130) of goats but none of the examined buffalo were found to be seropositive. A total of 12.1% (50/411) of the examined animals showed co-exposure to at least two of the tested pathogens. Regarding the potential risk factors, there were statistically significant differences among species in the frequency of exposure to the three tested pathogens. Age (> 6 months) was also shown to be a significant risk factor associated with T. gondii exposure. The results obtained provided updated information about the occurrence of three of the main reproductive pathogens in Upper Egypt. The high seropositivity values found for the tested zoonotic pathogens in most of the analyzed ruminant species suggest the necessity of performing additional in-depth studies to evaluate the epidemiology of these pathogens in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Ismail Farag
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Doaa Salman
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Nasr-Eldin M. Aref
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Murad A. Mubaraki
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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13
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Trachsel C, Hirsbrunner G, Herms TL, Runge M, Kiene F, Ganter M, Zanolari P, Bauer BU. Two Years after Coxiella burnetii Detection: Pathogen Shedding and Phase-Specific Antibody Response in Three Dairy Goat Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3048. [PMID: 37835654 PMCID: PMC10571745 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection dynamics of Coxiella (C.) burnetii were investigated in three dairy goat herds (A, B, and C) 2 years after the first pathogen detection. A total of 28 and 29 goats from herds A and B, and 35 goats from herd C, were examined. Sera were analyzed on three sampling dates using phase-specific serology. Pathogen shedding was assessed using post-partum vaginal swabs and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust samples from a barn and milking parlor were also collected monthly. These samples were analyzed with PCR (target IS1111). In herd A, individual animals tested seropositive, while vaginal swabs, BTM, and most dust samples tested negative. Herds B and C exhibited high IgG phase I activity, indicating a past infection. In herd B, approximately two-thirds of the goats shed C. burnetii with vaginal mucus, and irregular positive results were obtained from BTM. Herd C had two positive goats based on vaginal swabs, and BTM tested positive once. Dust samples from herds B and C contained C. burnetii DNA, with higher quantities typically found in samples from the milking parlor. This study highlights the different infection dynamics in three unvaccinated dairy goat herds and the potential use of dust samples as a supportive tool to detect C. burnetii at the herd level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Trachsel
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - Gaby Hirsbrunner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - 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.)
| | - 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.)
| | - Frederik Kiene
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - 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; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - 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; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
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14
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Hurtado A, Zendoia II, Alonso E, Beraza X, Bidaurrazaga J, Ocabo B, Arrazola I, Cevidanes A, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL. A Q fever outbreak among visitors to a natural cave, Bizkaia, Spain, December 2020 to October 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200824. [PMID: 37440349 PMCID: PMC10347893 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.28.2200824] [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: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a large Q fever outbreak reported in Spain, including 108 cases, 53 with pneumonia and 27 requiring hospitalisations. The first cases were detected in February 2021 among rock climbers visiting a cave in Bizkaia, and the last case was detected in October 2021. Most cases were notified after the Easter holiday (April-May 2021). More males (63.9%) than females (36.1%) were infected (median ages: 42 (1-68) and 39 years (6-61), respectively). We detected Coxiella burnetii by PCR in faecal, dust and/or aerosol samples taken inside the cave in March 2021, and in dust and aerosol samples collected between March 2021 and February 2023. Coxiella burnetii from dust samples were cultured on Vero cells, showing viability for 24 months. Based on serological and genotyping data, goats sheltering in the cave were the most likely source of infection. The cave was closed on 29 April 2021, movements of goats and sheep in the area were restricted (March-July 2021), and the animals were vaccinated in October 2021. Investigation of Q fever outbreaks requires a multidisciplinary One Health approach as these outbreaks can occur in unexpected places like natural sites where animals are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hurtado
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Ion I Zendoia
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to the work and share first authorship
| | - Eva Alonso
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno Vasco, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Servicio de Epidemiologia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Xabier Beraza
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno Vasco, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Servicio de Epidemiologia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Joseba Bidaurrazaga
- Departamento de Salud del Gobierno Vasco, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Servicio de Epidemiologia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Blanca Ocabo
- Servicio de Ganadería, Departamento de Agricultura, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Iñaki Arrazola
- Servicio de Ganadería, Departamento de Agricultura, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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15
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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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16
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Voss L, Huaman J, Pacioni C, Tolpinrud A, Helbig K, Carvalho TG, Firestone SM. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in wild deer populations in eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:106-114. [PMID: 36544232 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii causes significant reproduction losses in livestock and the disease Q fever in humans. Transmission of C. burnetii is facilitated by the stability of the bacterium in the environment and the susceptibility of a variety of host species to infection. Consequently, inter-species transmission occurs frequently through either direct or indirect contact. Wildlife may represent reservoirs of C. burnetii and could therefore be a source of infection for domestic animals. Understanding the prevalence of C. burnetii infections at the wildlife-livestock interface is important for disease control. This study aimed to investigate the extent of C. burnetii exposure in wild deer in eastern Australia. Serum samples were obtained from 413 wild deer from seven regions in four eastern Australian states from 2017 to 2020. Antibodies were detected using a commercial Q fever antibody kit validated for ruminants. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in deer was determined and true prevalence estimated, for each region. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in wild deer was 3.4% (14 seropositive of 413 deer sampled) with true prevalence estimated to be 4.3% (95% credible interval: 0.6%, 10.9%). Seropositive deer were identified only in Queensland (7/108 seropositive) and northern New South Wales (7/120 seropositive). This geospatial distribution is consistent with seropositivity in other animal species and indicative of the level of C. burnetii in the environment. The low seroprevalence suggests that wild deer are unlikely to be a major reservoir species for C. burnetii in eastern Australia but may still be implicated in inter-species transmission cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Voss
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - A Tolpinrud
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - T G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - S M Firestone
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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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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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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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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20
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Böttcher J, Bauer BU, Ambros C, Alex M, Domes U, Roth S, Boll K, Korneli M, Bogner KH, Randt A, Janowetz B. Long-term control of Coxiellosis in sheep by annual primary vaccination of gimmers. Vaccine 2022; 40:5197-5206. [PMID: 35914960 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, causes Q fever in humans and Coxiellosis in animals. Ruminants are a primary source of human infection with C.burnetii. In 2013, vaccination was implemented in a sheep flock with 650 ewes associated with two outbreaks of Q fever in humans in 2008 and 2012. Only gimmers (yearlings) received two doses of a commercial C.burnetii phase I whole cell vaccine three weeks apart (primary vaccination) without any revaccination. Vaginal and nasal swabs collected shortly after lambing were tested by qPCR. Additionally, a group of non-vaccinated sentinels was serologically monitored for phase I (PhI), II (PhII) antibodies and for Interferon γ (IFN-γ) after stimulation of whole blood cells with PhII-antigen with and without an IL-10-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. In 2021, 679 sera collected in 2014-2021 were retested retrospectively with three commercial ELISA kits and one batch of an in-house PhI/PhII-ELISA. A low-level shedding of C.burnetii (<103 mean C.burnetii/swab) was observed until 2014. In 2021 C.burnetii was detected in two animals (<103.1C.burnetii/swab), but vaginal swabs collected at two subsequent lambing seasons remained negative. Seroconversion of sentinels was detected until 2017. However, the retrospective analysis of sentinels in 2021 revealed additional single seropositive animals from 2018 to 2021. IFN-γ reactivity was observed during the whole study period; it peaked in 2014 and in 2018 and decreased thereafter. The sporadic detection of C.burnetii and the immune responses of sentinels suggested that a subliminal infection persisted despite vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination of gimmers prevented the development of a major outbreak, it controlled the infection and reduced the risk of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany.
| | - Benjamin U Bauer
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany; Current address: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Ambros
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Michaela Alex
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Ursula Domes
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Sabine Roth
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt
| | - Kerstin Boll
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Korneli
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt
| | - Karl-Heinz Bogner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Randt
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
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Byeon HS, Nattan S, Kim JH, Han ST, Chae MH, Han MN, Ahn B, Kim Y, Kim H, Jeong HW. Shedding and extensive and prolonged environmental contamination of goat farms of Q fever patients by Coxiella burnetii. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1264-1270. [PMID: 35305287 PMCID: PMC9122452 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A majority (>70%) of Q fever patients in South Korea do not have a history of animal contact. Therefore, unconscious environmental exposure is suspected. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure of Q fever patients to environmental contamination and animal shedding. METHODS Two goat farmers were enrolled. One was diagnosed with Q fever 3 years ago (Farm 1). Among 20 goats on Farm 1, five were tested randomly and found to be Q fever PCR-positive. Three of the five were Q fever ELISA-positive. Two of five environmental samples taken in 2015 were PCR-positive. In 2018, 17 of 18 environmental samples were PCR-positive. On Farm 2, 54 of the 77 goats were PCR-positive, and 63 were ELISA-positive. Twelve of 14 environmental samples were PCR-positive. Repeat administration of oxytetracycline to goats led to a gradual reduction in PCR-positive tests over a 5-month period. However, PCR-positivity of the farm environment persisted for 5 months. CONCLUSION The environment on farms owned by Q fever patients was contaminated extensively and persistently, even after antibiotic treatment of goats and environmental decontamination. Undetected environmental contamination can be a major source of sporadic Q fever infection in South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Seop Byeon
- Chungcheongbuk‐do Institute of Veterinary Service and ResearchCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Stalin Nattan
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk Natonal University College of MedicineCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyoung Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk National University HospitalCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Seong Tae Han
- Chungcheongbuk‐do Institute of Veterinary Service and ResearchCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Mun Hui Chae
- Chungcheongbuk‐do Institute of Veterinary Service and ResearchCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Mi Na Han
- Chungcheongbuk‐do Institute of Veterinary Service and ResearchCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Byeongwoo Ahn
- College of Veterinary MedicineChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Yong‐Dae Kim
- Department of Preventive MedicineCollege of MedicineChungbuk National University College of MedicineCheongjuRepublic of Korea
- Chungbuk Regional Cancer CenterChungbuk National University HospitalCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Hee‐Sung Kim
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk Natonal University College of MedicineCheongjuRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk National University HospitalCheongjuRepublic of Korea
| | - Hye Won Jeong
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk Natonal University College of MedicineCheongjuRepublic of Korea
- Department of Internal MedicineChungbuk National University HospitalCheongjuRepublic of Korea
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22
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Surveillance of Coxiella burnetii Shedding in Three Naturally Infected Dairy Goat Herds after Vaccination, Focusing on Bulk Tank Milk and Dust Swabs. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030102. [PMID: 35324830 PMCID: PMC8950187 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A–C) were monitored after the animals had been vaccinated with an inactivated Coxiella burnetii phase I vaccine. The antibody response was measured before vaccination by serum samples with two C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to characterize the disease status. Shedding was determined by vaginal swabs during three kidding seasons and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust swabs from one windowsill of each barn and from the milking parlors were collected monthly to evaluate the indoor exposure. These samples were analyzed by qPCR. The phase-specific serology revealed an acute Q fever infection in herd A, whereas herds B and C had an ongoing and past infection, respectively. In all three herds, vaginal shedders were present during three kidding seasons. In total, 50%, 69%, and 15% of all collected BTM samples were C. burnetii positive in herds A, B, and C, respectively. Barn dust contained C. burnetii DNA in 71%, 45%, and 50% of examined swabs collected from farms A, B, and C, respectively. The largest number of C. burnetii positive samples was obtained from the milking parlor (A: 91%, B: 72%, C: 73%), indicating a high risk for humans to acquire Q fever during milking activity.
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23
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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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24
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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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SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF COXIELLA BURNETII INFECTION IN THE WHITE RHINOCEROS ( CERATOTHERIUM SIMUM) IN SOUTH AFRICA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:573-579. [PMID: 34130400 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiellosis, or Query (Q) fever, a disease caused by the intracellular bacteria Coxiella burnetii, was recently described in a managed breeding herd of white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the southeastern United States. Clinical disease often results in abortion and could represent a conservation challenge for this species. In addition to the reproductive and herd management consequences, coxiellosis is also a zoonotic disease. Infection or clinical disease in any free-ranging rhinoceros species in a national park setting has not been previously described. In this study, evidence of prior infection was measured by immunofluorescent antibody titers in 89 serum samples collected from white rhinoceros within private reserves and a national park in South Africa. Total seropositivity was 48/89 (53.9% [95% CI, 43.6-63.9%]). Animals on private reserves had a seropositivity of 21/51 (41.1% [95% CI, 27.1-55.2%]), and national park rhinoceros had a higher rate of seropositivity at 71.0% [95% CI, 55.9-86.2%] (27/38; P= 0.004). Adults had a higher seropositivity compared with subadults (P= 0.03). There was no difference in seropositivity between sexes (P > 0.05). Results demonstrate that South African white rhinoceros populations are exposed to Coxiella, which could result in underrecognized reproductive consequences. Further studies should investigate potential implications for public health and conservation management of this species.
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Espí A, del Cerro A, Oleaga Á, Rodríguez-Pérez M, López CM, Hurtado A, Rodríguez-Martínez LD, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL. One Health Approach: An Overview of Q Fever in Livestock, Wildlife and Humans in Asturias (Northwestern Spain). ANIMALS : AN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL FROM MDPI 2021; 11:ani11051395. [PMID: 34068431 PMCID: PMC8153578 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in domestic ruminants, wild ungulates, as well as the current situation of Q fever in humans in a small region in northwestern Spain where a close contact at the wildlife-livestock-human interface exists, and information on C. burnetii infection is scarce. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 8.4% in sheep, 18.4% in cattle, and 24.4% in goats. Real-time PCR analysis of environmental samples collected in 25 livestock farms detected Coxiella DNA in dust and/or aerosols collected in 20 of them. Analysis of sera from 327 wild ungulates revealed lower seroprevalence than that found in domestic ruminants, with 8.4% of Iberian red deer, 7.3% chamois, 6.9% fallow deer, 5.5% European wild boar and 3.5% of roe deer harboring antibodies to C. burnetii. Exposure to the pathogen in humans was determined by IFAT analysis of 1312 blood samples collected from patients admitted at healthcare centers with Q fever compatible symptoms, such as fever and/or pneumonia. Results showed that 15.9% of the patients had IFAT titers ≥ 1/128 suggestive of probable acute infection. This study is an example of a One Health approach with medical and veterinary institutions involved in investigating zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Espí
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Service for Agrofood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain;
- Translational Microbiology Consolidated Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (Health Research Institute of Asturias, ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Á.O.); (M.R.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-653372118
| | - Ana del Cerro
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Service for Agrofood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain;
- Translational Microbiology Consolidated Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (Health Research Institute of Asturias, ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Á.O.); (M.R.-P.)
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- Translational Microbiology Consolidated Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (Health Research Institute of Asturias, ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Á.O.); (M.R.-P.)
- SERPA—Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A., 33202 Gijón, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez
- Translational Microbiology Consolidated Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (Health Research Institute of Asturias, ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (Á.O.); (M.R.-P.)
- Department of Microbiology, Central Hospital of Asturias (HUCA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ceferino M. López
- Department of Animal Pathology, Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27071 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (A.H.); (J.F.B.); (A.L.G.-P.)
| | | | - Jesús F. Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (A.H.); (J.F.B.); (A.L.G.-P.)
| | - Ana L. García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Spain; (A.H.); (J.F.B.); (A.L.G.-P.)
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Evaluation using latent class models of the diagnostic performances of three ELISA tests commercialized for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in domestic ruminants. Vet Res 2021; 52:56. [PMID: 33853678 PMCID: PMC8048088 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ELISA methods are the diagnostic tools recommended for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in ruminants but their respective diagnostic performances are difficult to assess because of the absence of a gold standard. This study focused on three commercial ELISA tests with the following objectives (1) assess their sensitivity and specificity in sheep, goats and cattle, (2) assess the between- and within-herd seroprevalence distribution in these species, accounting for diagnostic errors, and (3) estimate optimal sample sizes considering sensitivity and specificity at herd level. We comparatively tested 1413 cattle, 1474 goat and 1432 sheep serum samples collected in France. We analyzed the cross-classified test results with a hierarchical zero-inflated beta-binomial latent class model considering each herd as a population and conditional dependence as a fixed effect. Potential biases and coverage probabilities of the model were assessed by simulation. Conditional dependence for truly seropositive animals was high in all species for two of the three ELISA methods. Specificity estimates were high, ranging from 94.8% [92.1; 97.8] to 99.2% [98.5; 99.7], whereas sensitivity estimates were generally low, ranging from 39.3 [30.7; 47.0] to 90.5% [83.3; 93.8]. Between- and within-herd seroprevalence estimates varied greatly among geographic areas and herds. Overall, goats showed higher within-herd seroprevalence levels than sheep and cattle. The optimal sample size maximizing both herd sensitivity and herd specificity varied from 3 to at least 20 animals depending on the test and ruminant species. This study provides better interpretation of three widely used commercial ELISA tests and will make it possible to optimize their implementation in future studies. The methodology developed may likewise be applied to other human or animal diseases.
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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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Fisher JR, Chroust ZD, Onyoni F, Soong L. Pattern Recognition Receptors in Innate Immunity to Obligate Intracellular Bacteria. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2021; 1:10. [PMID: 35282331 PMCID: PMC8909792 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Host pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for sensing pathogenic microorganisms, launching innate responses, and shaping pathogen-specific adaptive immunity during infection. Rickettsia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Coxiella burnetii are obligate intracellular bacteria, which can only replicate within host cells and must evade immune detection to successfully propagate. These five bacterial species are zoonotic pathogens of clinical or agricultural importance, yet, uncovering how immune recognition occurs has remained challenging. Recent evidence from in-vitro studies and animal models has offered new insights into the types and kinetics of PRR activation during infection with Rickettsia spp., A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, and C. burnetii, respectively. However, much less is known in these regards for O. tsutsugamushi infection, until the recent discovery for the role of the C-type lectin receptor Mincle during lethal infection in mice and in primary macrophage cultures. This review gives a brief summary for clinical and epidemiologic features of these five bacterial infections, focuses on fundamental biologic facets of infection, and recent advances in host recognition. In addition, we discuss knowledge gaps for innate recognition of these bacteria in the context of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Fisher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Zachary D. Chroust
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Florence Onyoni
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Lynn Soong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Corresponding author: Lynn Soong, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. MRB 3.142, Galveston, Texas 77555-1070,
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Abeykoon AMH, Clark NJ, Soares Magalhaes RJ, Vincent GA, Stevenson MA, Firestone SM, Wiethoelter AK. Coxiella burnetii in the environment: A systematic review and critical appraisal of sampling methods. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:165-181. [PMID: 33314733 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. Its primary mode of transmission is by inhalation of aerosols originating from infected animals and contaminated environments. The organism has a very low infective dose, can persist in the environment for long periods of time and large outbreaks fuelled by windborne spread have been previously reported. Detection of C. burnetii in the environment is therefore important during human and animal outbreak investigations and for the control and prevention of Q fever. This study aimed to systematically review and critically appraise the published literature on sampling methods used to detect C. burnetii from different environmental samples. A search of four electronic databases with subsequent hand searching identified 47 eligible articles published since 1935. These articles described sampling of dust, air, soil and liquids in attempts to detect C. burnetii during 19 Q fever outbreaks and in 28 endemic settings. Environmental positivity was most commonly associated with ruminant livestock populations. Evidence describing spatio-temporal characteristics and associated geographical dispersion gradients was limited. The most commonly tested sample type was dust which also yielded the highest bacterial loads of >108 bacteria/cloth. The MD8 (Sartorius) air sampler was used widely for air sampling. Soil was the only sample type for which a validated laboratory protocol was established specifically for C. burnetii. Each environmental sample type has its advantages and limitations which are discussed in detail and a simplified framework to guide decisions around environmental sampling for C. burnetii is provided. In any type of environmental sampling, it is recommended to use standardized and validated methods and to match the most ideal sampling strategy and timing with the research context. These conditions are essential to be considered when designing future Q fever management plans that involve environmental sampling for C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Hasanthi Abeykoon
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Joshua Clark
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Ricardo Jorge Soares Magalhaes
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia.,Children's Health and Environment Program, UQ Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gemma Anne Vincent
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Anthony Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Matthew Firestone
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anke Katrin Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Gangwar C, Kumaresan G, Mishra AK, Kumar A, Pachoori A, Saraswat S, Singh NP, Kharche SD. Molecular detection of important abortion-causing microorganisms in preputial swab of breeding bucks using PCR-based assays. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1520-1525. [PMID: 32794354 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and aetiological agents related to female reproductive systems were extensively covered compared to its male counterpart. There needs a proper study to bridge this gap, where microflora and infectious agents of both male and female reproductive are mutually intelligible. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of the preputial cavity and also screened for abortion-causing agents which are zoonotic as well. In goats, such types of abortions are caused by Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila, Campylobacter and Coxiella etc. One of the major sources of contamination of semen is the preputial cavity, which is exposed to the external environment leading to spread of infection into the female via semen straws or by natural service. In the current study, good quality bucks (n = 32, Barbari = 12, Jamunapari = 10, Jakhrana = 10) which were routinely used for semen collection were screened for their preputial swabs, for the presence of the above pathogens. For detection of Brucella melitensis, OMP31 based TaqMan® probe real-time PCR assay was used, and for Chlamydia, 16srRNA gene based SYBR® green real-time PCR assay was employed for detection of Chlamydophila abortus. While for Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii, 16srRNA gene based conventional PCR and Trans-PCR were used, respectively. In the current study, of the screened preputial swabs, none of them showed positive for Brucella and Coxiella, but of the screened 32 samples 17 showed positive for Chlamydia (53.13%) and two (6.25%) showed positive for Campylobacter spp. The current study emphasizes on the farms and laboratories which were regularly involved in screening of brucellosis also often overlook the other potential non-brucella pathogens, causing abortions eventually incurring severe economic losses to the goat keepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Gangwar
- AP&R Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Gururaj Kumaresan
- Animal Health Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Anil Kumar Mishra
- Animal Health Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Anshuman Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FVAS), RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mathura, India
| | - Anjali Pachoori
- Animal Health Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Sonia Saraswat
- AP&R Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Narendra Pratap Singh
- Animal Health Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India
| | - Suresh Dinkar Kharche
- AP&R Division, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura, India.,Animal Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FVAS), RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mathura, India
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Bauer B, Prüfer L, Walter M, Ganter I, Frangoulidis D, Runge M, Ganter M. Comparison of Coxiella burnetii Excretion between Sheep and Goats Naturally Infected with One Cattle-Associated Genotype. Pathogens 2020; 9:E652. [PMID: 32823701 PMCID: PMC7459479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reservoir of Coxiella (C.) burnetii are ruminants. They shed the pathogen through birth products, vaginal mucus, faeces and milk. A direct comparison of C. burnetii excretions between naturally infected sheep and goats was performed on the same farm to investigate species-specific differences. The animals were vaccinated with an inactivated C. burnetii phase I vaccine at the beginning of the study period for public health reasons. Vaginal and rectal swabs along with milk specimens were taken monthly during the lambing period and once again at the next lambing season. To estimate the environmental contamination of the animals' housings, nasal swabs from every animal were taken simultaneously. Moreover, dust samples from the windowsills and straw beddings were collected. All samples were examined by qPCR targeting the IS1111 gene and the MLVA/VNTR typing method was performed. Whole genome sequencing was applied to determine the number of IS1111 copies followed by a calculation of C. burnetii genome equivalents of each sample. The cattle-associated genotype C7 was detected containing 29 IS1111 copies. Overall, goats seem to shed more C. burnetii through vaginal mucus and in particular shed more and for longer via the rectal route than sheep. This is supported by the larger quantities of C. burnetii DNA detected in caprine nasal swabs and environmental samples compared to the ovine ones. Transmission of C. burnetii from cattle to small ruminants must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Louise Prüfer
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mathias Walter
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
| | - Isabel Ganter
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, 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; (L.P.); (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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Álvarez-Alonso R, Zendoia II, Barandika JF, Jado I, Hurtado A, López CM, García-Pérez AL. Monitoring Coxiella burnetii Infection in Naturally Infected Dairy Sheep Flocks Throughout Four Lambing Seasons and Investigation of Viable Bacteria. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:352. [PMID: 32754620 PMCID: PMC7365863 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression of Coxiella burnetii infection in four naturally infected sheep flocks, and in their farm environment, was monitored throughout four lambing seasons. Flocks with an active infection were selected based on the presence of C. burnetii DNA in bulk-tank milk (BTM) and a high seroprevalence in yearlings during the previous milking period (Spring 2015). During four consecutive lambing seasons (2015/16–2018/19), samples were collected within 1 week after each lambing period from animals (vaginal swabs, milk and feces from ewes, and yearlings) and the environment (dust indoor sheep premises). BTM samples and aerosols (outdoors and indoors) were monthly collected between lambing and the end of milking. Real-time PCR analyses showed different trends in C. burnetii shedding in the flocks, with a general progressive decrease in bacterial shedding throughout the years, interrupted in three flocks by peaks of reinfection associated with specific management practices. A significant relationship was found between C. burnetii fecal shedding and the bacterial burden detected in dust, whereas shedding by vaginal route affected the detection of C. burnetii in indoor aerosols. Three genotypes were identified: SNP8 (three flocks, 52.9% of the samples), SNP1 (two flocks, 44.8% samples), and SNP5 (one flock, two environmental samples). Coxiella burnetii viability in dust measured by culture in Vero cells was demonstrated in two of the flocks, even during the fourth lambing season. The results showed that infection can remain active for over 5 years if effective control and biosafety measures are not correctly implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Álvarez-Alonso
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Spain
| | - Ion I Zendoia
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Spain
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Spain
| | - Ceferino M López
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Spain
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Roest HIJ, Dinkla A, Koets AP, Post J, van Keulen L. Experimental Coxiella burnetii infection in non-pregnant goats and the effect of breeding. Vet Res 2020; 51:74. [PMID: 32471481 PMCID: PMC7257221 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00797-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonosis caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. In Europe, small ruminants are the main source of human Q fever. Small ruminant herds can be infectious during several lambing seasons. However, it is not clear how infection is maintained in a herd and what role non-pregnant animals play in the transmission of C. burnetii. We therefore inoculated nulliparous goats with C. burnetii, isolated from the outbreak of Q fever in the Netherlands, to gain a better understanding of the role of non-pregnant goats. Seroconversion and excretion of C. burnetii were monitored after inoculation. To study the effect of breeding on the excretion of C. burnetii, the goats were naturally bred and monitored during gestation and after lambing. Our results indicate that C. burnetii infection prior to breeding did not result in infection of the placenta nor did it affect the gestation length or the number of kids born. However, one of the ten does did excrete C. burnetii in the colostrum post-partum and the bacterium was detected in the mammary gland and associated lymph nodes at necropsy. This result indicates that non-pregnant goats might play a role in maintaining Q fever in a goat herd as persistent carriers of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik I J Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands. .,Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands.
| | - Annemieke Dinkla
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ad P Koets
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands.,Department of Large Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Post
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Infection Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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Alonso E, Eizaguirre D, Lopez-Etxaniz I, Olaizola JI, Ocabo B, Barandika JF, Jado I, Álvarez-Alonso R, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL. A Q fever outbreak associated to courier transport of pets. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225605. [PMID: 31765433 PMCID: PMC6876792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
On August 3rd, 2017, a Q fever outbreak alert was issued at a courier company that in addition to urgent freight transport offered pet delivery services. The epidemiological investigation set the exposition period between June 1 and August 8. In this period, 180 workers from two operational platforms for parcel distribution located in two provinces of the Basque Country (Bizkaia and Araba) were exposed; 64 filled a questionnaire and provided blood samples for serological testing, resulting in 10 confirmed cases (15.6%) and six (9.4%) probable cases. Nine workers (8 confirmed and 1 probable) showed Q fever symptoms, including pneumonia (five cases), and required medical care services, including one hospital admission. The attack rate was 25% (16/64), being higher among workers that visited the Bizkaia platform. This suggested that the origin of the outbreak was in the Bizkaia platform, where animals in transit waited at a pet holding site until being moved to their destination. Environmental samples consisting on 19 surface dust and two aerosol samples were collected at the Bizkaia platform to investigate the presence of C. burnetti DNA. All dust samples were positive by real time PCR, the lowest Ct values being found in dust collected at the pet holding facilities, and therefore suggesting that contamination originated at the pet holding site. The genotype identified in dust was SNP1/MST13, one of the most commonly identified genotypes in goats and sheep in the Basque Country. During the exposure period, two deliveries of miniature goats were made, of which only one could be investigated and tested negative. Although the contamination source could not be unequivocally identified, transport of ruminants was banned at the company, and Q fever was included among the occupational-associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Alonso
- Department of Epidemiology, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Gobierno Vasco, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Domingo Eizaguirre
- Department of Epidemiology, Subdirección de Salud Pública de Bizkaia, Gobierno Vasco, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Spain
| | - Idoia Lopez-Etxaniz
- Department of Epidemiology, OSALAN-Instituto Vasco de Seguridad y Salud Laborales, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Olaizola
- Department of Epidemiology, OSALAN-Instituto Vasco de Seguridad y Salud Laborales, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Blanca Ocabo
- Department of Agriculture, Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesús Felix Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Isabel Jado
- National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Álvarez-Alonso
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Luisa García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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36
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Viable Coxiella burnetii in hard cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 303:42-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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37
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Carrié P, Barry S, Rousset E, de Crémoux R, Sala C, Calavas D, Perrin JB, Bronner A, Gasqui P, Gilot-Fromont E, Becker CAM, Gache K, Jourdain E. Swab cloths as a tool for revealing environmental contamination by Q fever in ruminant farms. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1202-1209. [PMID: 30702810 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic abortive disease of ruminants mostly transmitted by inhalation of aerosols contaminated by Coxiella burnetii. Clusters of cases or even epidemics regularly occur in humans but, to date, there is no consensus about the best way to carry out outbreak investigations in order to identify potential farms at risk. Although environmental samples might be useful during such investigations, there are few baseline data on the presence of C. burnetii in the environment of ruminant farms. We thus investigated dust samples from cattle, sheep and goat farm buildings in order to (a) estimate C. burnetii detection frequency and bacterial loads in the environment, and (b) determine whether this environmental contamination is associated with series of abortions attributed to Q fever. We considered 113 herds with a recent abortive episode potentially related (n = 60) or not (n = 53) to C. burnetii. Dust was sampled using a swab cloth and tested by a quantitative PCR method targeting the IS1111 gene. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected on 9 of 50 cattle farms, 13 of 19 goat farms and 30 of 40 sheep farms. On 16 cloths, bacterial loads were higher than 108 genome equivalents, levels as high as in infectious materials such as placentas and aborted foetuses. Overall, the probability of detecting C. burnetii DNA was higher on small ruminant farms than cattle farms, in herds suspected of Q fever and in large herds. We conclude that swab cloths are a putative indicator of contamination of ruminant farms by C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Carrié
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidémiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Saint Genès Champanelle, France.,Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Séverine Barry
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidémiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Elodie Rousset
- Q Fever NRL, Laboratory of Sophia Antipolis, Animal Q Fever Unit, ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Renée de Crémoux
- French Livestock Institute, Mixt Technological Unit on Small Ruminants Health, Albi, France
| | - Carole Sala
- Laboratory of Lyon, Epidemiology Unit, ANSES, Lyon, France
| | - Didier Calavas
- Laboratory of Lyon, Epidemiology Unit, ANSES, Lyon, France
| | | | - Anne Bronner
- French Directorate General for Food (DGAL), Animal Health Office, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Gasqui
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidémiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Saint Genès Champanelle, France
| | - Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR5558, Univ Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Kristel Gache
- GDS France (National Animal Health Farmers' Organisation), Paris, France
| | - Elsa Jourdain
- EPIA, UMR 0346, Epidémiologie des maladies animales et zoonotiques, VetAgro Sup, INRA, Saint Genès Champanelle, France
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Álvarez-Alonso R, Barandika JF, Ruiz-Fons F, Ortega-Araiztegi I, Jado I, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL. Stable levels of Coxiella burnetii prevalence in dairy sheep flocks but changes in genotype distribution after a 10-year period in northern Spain. Acta Vet Scand 2018; 60:75. [PMID: 30454011 PMCID: PMC6245712 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-018-0429-x] [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: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from 81 sheep flocks in the Basque Country, Spain, in 2015 and were analysed for antibodies against Coxiella burnetii by ELISA and for C. burnetii DNA by real-time PCR. Thirty-two percent of the flocks had BTM antibodies against C. burnetii. Presence of C. burnetii DNA in BTM was detected in 23% of the flocks, suggesting recent C. burnetii infections. Retrospective data of BTM samples obtained from 154 sheep flocks investigated in 2005 in the same geographic area were compiled to assess temporal changes in C. burnetii infection. The overall percentage of infected sheep flocks did not significantly change after the 10-year period. Among the 46 flocks sampled in both periods, 11 flocks that were negative in 2005 were positive in 2015, 18 maintained their initial status (positive or negative), and 17 positive flocks were negative in 2015. These findings indicate that C. burnetii infection is a dynamic process in dairy sheep in northern Spain. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of positive samples identified three genotypes, SNP1 being the most prevalent in 2015 and SNP8 in 2005; SNP4 was only detected once in 2005. These results suggest possible changes in the pattern of genotype infection over time.
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