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Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia africae and Anaplasma Species in Ticks from Domestic Animals in Lesotho. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091186. [PMID: 34578218 PMCID: PMC8468460 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) hamper the growth of the livestock sector and impose major constraints for the health and management of domestic animals in the tropic and subtropical regions globally. Currently, there is no scientific report on the presence of zoonotic pathogens transmitted by tick species in Lesotho. This study aimed to identify zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of economic importance from ticks infesting domestic animals in Lesotho using molecular techniques. A total of 322 tick DNA pools were subjected to PCR screening for the presence of zoonotic pathogens and sequenced. The overall prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 35% (113/322), with a 100% infection rate in Rhipicephalus microplus, followed by R. evertsi evertsi (92%), Hyalomma rufipes and Otobius megnini sharing 50% and the lowest infection rate was observed in R. decoloratus with 40%. The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative pleomorphic etiological agent of Query fever (Q fever), was 1% (2/322) for all screened samples, with 20% of R. decoloratus and 1% of R. e. evertsi infected. Rickettsia africae was detected from Hyalomma rufipes with a 70% prevalence. This study provides a baseline knowledge of tick-borne pathogens of medical and veterinary importance in Lesotho and raises awareness of the prevalence of such diseases within the tourism sector as they are mostly affected.
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Nelson M, Salguero FJ, Hunter L, Atkins TP. A Novel Marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus) Model of Human Inhalational Q Fever. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:621635. [PMID: 33585288 PMCID: PMC7876459 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.621635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) were shown to be susceptible to inhalational infection with Coxiella burnetii, in a dose-dependent manner, producing a disease similar to human Q fever, characterized by a resolving febrile response. Illness was also associated with weight loss, liver enzyme dysfunction, characteristic cellular activation, circulating INF-γ and bacteraemia. Viable C. burnetii was recovered from various tissues during disease and from 75% of the animal's lungs on 28 days post challenge, when there were no overt clinical features of disease but there was histological evidence of macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration into the lung resulting in granulomatous alveolitis. Taken together, these features of disease progression, physiology and bacterial spread appear to be consistent with human disease and therefore the common marmoset can be considered as a suitable model for studies on the pathogenesis or the development of medical counter measures of inhalational Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Nelson
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura Hunter
- Public Health England, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy P Atkins
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Ghanem-Zoubi N, Paul M. Q fever during pregnancy: a narrative review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 26:864-870. [PMID: 31682987 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, causes abortions in animals. Its effects on pregnancy in humans and the management of Q fever in pregnancy are uncertain. OBJECTIVES To summarize data on the effects of Q fever on pregnancy in women, the effects of pregnancy on Q fever complications and the optimal screening and management of Q fever during pregnancy. SOURCES We searched for studies reporting on Q fever during pregnancy in women. We included randomized and observational studies, seroprevalence studies, case series and case reports, including clinical and histopathological studies. CONTENT The accumulating data seems convincing that Q fever increases the risk of abortions in early pregnancy and prematurity or intrauterine fetal demise in late pregnancy. Data are based on sero-epidemiological associations of Q fever and adverse pregnancy outcomes and case reports showing the presence and effects of C. burnetii on the placenta and the fetus. Based on observational studies, acquisition of Q fever during pregnancy also increases the risk for maternal chronic Q fever. Treatment of recently infected women seems to improve these outcomes, based on case series only, but the optimal duration of treatment has not been studied. The efficacy of active surveillance during pregnancy, timing and frequency have not been determined in high-endemicity settings. Obstetricians should be aware of the risk for transmission of the disease during delivery. Currently available data are based mostly on case series and case reports, with some discrepancy between the French experience in chronic endemicity settings and Dutch experience in outbreak settings. IMPLICATIONS Since infection with Q fever is largely asymptomatic, we believe that the accumulating information linking Q fever to adverse pregnancy outcomes justifies screening in the high-endemicity setting and treatment of infected women. High-quality research addressing the questions raised by this review is needed to determine the optimal public health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ghanem-Zoubi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - M Paul
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Ghaoui H, Bitam I, Ait-Oudhia K, Achour N, Saad-Djaballah A, Saadnia FZ, Kedjour S, Fournier PE, Raoult D. Coxiella burnetii infection with women's febrile spontaneous abortion reported in Algiers. New Microbes New Infect 2018; 26:8-14. [PMID: 30245827 PMCID: PMC6141670 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated Q fever infection in Febrile Spontaneous Abortions in women by using a serologic method (Immuno-Fluorescence Assay, IFA) and a molecular method (real-time quantitative PCR, qPCR) in Obstetric-Gynaecology (OB-GYN) services in two hospitals in Algiers. We included in the case group 380 women who experienced Febrile Spontaneous Abortion; the control group comprised 345 women who gave birth without any other infections or complications. Among the 725 women included, antibodies against Coxiella burnetii were detected by IFA in three (03) cases patients; all control group samples were IFA negative. In other hand, only four (04) placental samples among the case group came back with q PCR positive for IS1111 and IS30a too. A relationship between C. burnetii infection and febrile spontaneous abortion exists in OB-GYN services in Algiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ghaoui
- IRD, MEPHI, Aix-Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,École Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Alger, Algérie
| | - I Bitam
- IRD, MEPHI, Aix-Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,École Supérieure En sciences de l'Aliment et des industries Agroalimentaire d'Alger, Algérie
| | - K Ait-Oudhia
- École Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, RABIE BOUCHAMA, Alger, Algérie
| | - N Achour
- EHS des maladies infectieuses, ELHADI FLICI, Alger, Algérie
| | | | | | - S Kedjour
- EPH HASSEN BADI Ex BELFORT, El-Harrache, Alger, Algérie
| | - P-E Fournier
- IRD, VITROME, Aix-Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - D Raoult
- IRD, MEPHI, Aix-Marseille Université, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Mbwele B, Slot A, De Mast Q, Kweka P, Msuya M, Hulscher M. The Use of Guidelines for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Tanzania: A Lesson from Kilimanjaro Clinicians. Ann Med Health Sci Res 2016; 6:100-8. [PMID: 27213093 PMCID: PMC4866362 DOI: 10.4103/2141-9248.181845] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evaluations of the guidelines for the management of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Tanzania is scant. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the current Tanzanian treatment guideline for the management lower respiratory tract infection. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study in 11 hospitals of different levels in the Kilimanjaro region Data were collected from May 2012 to July 2012 by semi-structured interview for clinicians using 2 dummy cases for practical assessment. Data were analyzed by STATA v11 (StataCorp, TX, USA). Qualitative narratives from the interviews were translated, transcribed then coded by colors into meaningful themes. Results: A variety of principles for diagnosing and managing LRTI were demonstrated by 53 clinicians of Kilimanjaro. For the awareness, 67.9% (36/53) clinicians knew their responsibility to use Standard Treatment Guideline for managing LRTI. The content derived from Standard Treatment Guideline could be cited by 11.3% of clinicians (6/53) however they all showed concern of gaps in the guideline. Previous training in the management of patients with LRTI was reported by 25.9% (14/53), majority were pulmonary TB related. Correct microorganisms causing different forms of LRTI were mentioned by 11.3% (6/53). Exact cause of Atypical pneumonia and Q fever as an example was stated by 13.0% (7/53) from whom the need of developing the guideline for LRTI was explicitly elaborated. Conclusion: The current guidelines have not been used effectively for the management of LRTI in Tanzania. There is a need to review its content for the current practical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mbwele
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Zanzibar, Tanzania; Programme Manager - Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Health, Nutrition and WASH, Save the Children, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - A Slot
- Nijmegen Institute for International Health (NIIH, UMC Nijmegen), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Q De Mast
- Nijmegen Institute for International Health (NIIH, UMC Nijmegen), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Kweka
- Vijiji International, Kilimani Tower, Mawenzi Road, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - M Msuya
- Faculty of Nursing, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - M Hulscher
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Efficacy of liposome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin in a murine model of Q fever. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5510-8. [PMID: 25001305 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03443-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Encapsulation of antibiotics may improve treatment of intracellular infections by prolonging antibiotic release and improving antibiotic uptake into cells. In this study, liposome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin for inhalation (CFI) was evaluated as a postexposure therapeutic for the treatment of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. Intranasal treatment of male A/Jola (A/J) mice with CFI (50 mg/kg of body weight) once daily for 7 days protected mice against weight loss and clinical signs following an aerosol challenge with C. burnetii. In comparison, mice treated twice daily with oral ciprofloxacin or doxycycline (50 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) lost 15 to 20% body weight and exhibited ruffled fur, arched backs, and dehydration. Mice were culled at day 14 postchallenge. The weights and bacterial burdens of organs were determined. Mice treated with CFI exhibited reduced splenomegaly and reduced bacterial numbers in the lungs and spleen compared to mice treated with oral ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. When a single dose of CFI was administered, it provided better protection against body weight loss than 7 days of treatment with oral doxycycline, the current antibiotic of choice to treat Q fever. These data suggest that CFI has potential as a superior antibiotic to treat Q fever.
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Galleria mellonella as an alternative model of Coxiella burnetii infection. Microbiology (Reading) 2014; 160:1175-1181. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.077230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium and is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Several rodent and non-human primate models of virulent phase I C. burnetii [Nine Mile (NM)I] have been developed, and have been used to determine the efficacy of antibiotics and vaccine candidates. However, there are several advantages to using insect models to study host–microbe interactions, such as reduced animal use, lowered cost and ease of manipulation in high containment. In addition, many laboratories use the avirulent phase II C. burnetii clone (NMII) to study cellular interactions and identify novel virulence determinants using genetic manipulation. We report that larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, were susceptible to infection with both C. burnetii NMI and NMII. Following subcutaneous infection, we report that intracellular bacteria were present within haemocytes and that larval death occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we have used the model to characterize the role of the type 4 secretion system in C. burnetii NMII and to determine antibiotic efficacy in a non-mammalian model of disease.
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Burns DS, Bailey MS. Undifferentiated febrile illnesses in military personnel. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2013; 159:200-5. [DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Endom EE. Bioterrorism and the Pediatric Patient: An Update. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Porter SR, Czaplicki G, Mainil J, Guattéo R, Saegerman C. Q Fever: current state of knowledge and perspectives of research of a neglected zoonosis. Int J Microbiol 2011; 2011:248418. [PMID: 22194752 PMCID: PMC3238387 DOI: 10.1155/2011/248418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is an ubiquitous zoonosis caused by an resistant intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. In certain areas, Q fever can be a severe public health problem, and awareness of the disease must be promoted worldwide. Nevertheless, knowledge of Coxiella burnetii remains limited to this day. Its resistant (intracellular and environmental) and infectious properties have been poorly investigated. Further understanding of the interactions between the infected host and the bacteria is necessary. Domestic ruminants are considered as the main reservoir of bacteria. Infected animals shed highly infectious organisms in milk, feces, urine, vaginal mucus, and, very importantly, birth products. Inhalation is the main route of infection. Frequently asymptomatic in humans and animals, Q fever can cause acute or chronic infections. Financial consequences of infection can be dramatic at herd level. Vaccination with inactive whole-cell bacteria has been performed and proved effective in humans and animals. However, inactive whole-cell vaccines present several defects. Recombinant vaccines have been developed in experimental conditions and have great potential for the future. Q fever is a challenging disease for scientists as significant further investigations are necessary. Great research opportunities are available to reach a better understanding and thus a better prevention and control of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rebecca Porter
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B42, Boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Guy Czaplicki
- Département de Sérologie, Association Régionale de Santé et d'Identification Animales, 4431 Loncin, Belgium
| | - Jacques Mainil
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman B43a, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Raphaël Guattéo
- UMR 1300 Bio-Agression, Epidémiologie et Analyse de Risque, INRA, 44307 Nantes, France
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B42, Boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Skultety L, Hajduch M, Flores-Ramirez G, Miernyk JA, Ciampor F, Toman R, Sekeyova Z. Proteomic comparison of virulent phase I and avirulent phase II of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. J Proteomics 2011; 74:1974-84. [PMID: 21616182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, a category B biological warfare agent, causes multiple outbreaks of the zoonotic disease Q fever world-wide, each year. The virulent phase I and avirulent phase II variants of the Nine Mile RSA 493 and 439 strains of C. burnetii were propagated in embryonated hen eggs and then purified by centrifugation through Renografin gradients. Total protein fractions were isolated from each phase and subjected to analysis by one-dimensional electrophoresis plus tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 235 and 215 non-redundant proteins were unambiguously identified from the phase I and II cells, respectively. Many of these proteins had not been previously reported in proteomic studies of C. burnetii. The newly identified proteins should provide additional insight into the pathogenesis of Q fever. Several of the identified proteins are involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of components of the extracellular matrix. Forty-four of the proteins have been annotated as having distinct roles in the pathogenesis or survival of C. burnetii within the harsh phagolysosomal environment. We propose that nine enzymes specifically involved with lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and metabolism, and that are distinctively present in phase I cells, are virulence-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Ramasamy S, Liu CQ, Tran H, Gubala A, Gauci P, McAllister J, Vo T. Principles of antidote pharmacology: an update on prophylaxis, post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 161:721-48. [PMID: 20860656 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00939.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biological agents has generally been confined to military-led conflicts. However, there has been an increase in non-state-based terrorism, including the use of asymmetric warfare, such as biological agents in the past few decades. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important to consider strategies for preventing and preparing for attacks by insurgents, such as the development of pre- and post-exposure medical countermeasures. There are a wide range of prophylactics and treatments being investigated to combat the effects of biological agents. These include antibiotics (for both conventional and unconventional use), antibodies, anti-virals, immunomodulators, nucleic acids (analogues, antisense, ribozymes and DNAzymes), bacteriophage therapy and micro-encapsulation. While vaccines are commercially available for the prevention of anthrax, cholera, plague, Q fever and smallpox, there are no licensed vaccines available for use in the case of botulinum toxins, viral encephalitis, melioidosis or ricin. Antibiotics are still recommended as the mainstay treatment following exposure to anthrax, plague, Q fever and melioidosis. Anti-toxin therapy and anti-virals may be used in the case of botulinum toxins or smallpox respectively. However, supportive care is the only, or mainstay, post-exposure treatment for cholera, viral encephalitis and ricin - a recommendation that has not changed in decades. Indeed, with the difficulty that antibiotic resistance poses, the development and further evaluation of techniques and atypical pharmaceuticals are fundamental to the development of prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment options. The aim of this review is to present an update on prophylaxis and post-exposure treatment recommendations and research initiatives for biological agents in the open literature from 2007 to 2009.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ramasamy
- Defence Science & Technology Organisation, Human Protection and Performance Division, Fishermans Bend, Vic., Australia.
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Coxiella burnetii abortion in captive dama gazelle (Gazella Dama) in the United Arab Emirates. J Zoo Wildl Med 2010; 41:83-9. [PMID: 20722258 DOI: 10.1638/2009-0005.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: Five cases of late-stage abortion in dama gazelle (Gazella dama) occurred in the United Arab Emirates. Histopathologic and molecular diagnostics found the abortions to be associated with Coxiella burnetii infection. Examination of the herd 6 mo later revealed a significant number of serologically positive animals but failed to detect the antigen in genital swabs. There are few reports in the literature of C. burnetii abortion in nondomestic ungulates and no published reports from the United Arab Emirates.
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