Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from Iran

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the prevalence and genetic structure of Coxiella burnetii in tick samples collected from domestic animals in Hormozgan province146 tick samples were randomly collected from cattle, sheep, goat, camel and dog herds in seven cities of Hormozgan. After the DNA was extracted from each tick sample; Nested-PCR method was used to identify the presence of C. burnetii using IS1111 transposon gene and isocitrate dehydrogenase icd gene. In addition, phylogenetic analysis and tree diagram were constructed based on IS1111 and icd genes. The results showed that out of 146 pool tick samples, 40 pool samples based on IS1111 gene and 32 pool samples based on icd gene were infected with C. burnetii. When results were stratified by livestock type, infection rates were highest in sheep ticks (37.5%, 95% CI: 21.2% - 57.29%), followed by cattle ticks (32.14%, 95% CI: 17.90% - 50.66%) and dog tick (15%, 95% CI: 70.6% - 29%). In camel and goat ticks, the infection rate was 15.90 and 23.07%, respectively. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the role of ticks as potential carriers of C. burneti. The results indicate the importance of cattle, sheep, goats, camels and dogs in Hormozgan region as effective factors in the epidemiology of Q fever and its impact on public health. In addition, a high degree of similarity (from 99% to 100%) was observed between IS1111 and icd genes in this study and recorded sequences from different regions of the world.

Identification of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria from blood and ticks obtained from hares and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus megalofis) in eastern Iran

The role of wildlife in the complex balance of tick-borne diseases within ecosystems is crucial, as they serve as hosts for tick carriers and reservoirs for the pathogens carried by these ticks. This study aimed to investigate the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in wildlife, specifically in hares and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus megalofis), in the eastern region of Iran. The focus was on the detection of Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., and Leptospira spp., using the Nested-PCR method. We analyzed a total of 124 blood samples, and 196 ticks collected from hares and long-eared hedgehogs were analyzed. The Nested-PCR method was employed to identify the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria DNA. Our study revealed the presence of these zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in both wildlife species, indicating their potential role as hosts and reservoirs for the ticks carrying these pathogens. The specific presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., and Leptospira spp. were determined through the Nested-PCR method. This study contributes to the limited knowledge about the involvement of wild animals in the transmission of tick-borne diseases. By using the Nested-PCR method, we successfully identified the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in hares and long-eared hedgehogs. This study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the ecological process of tick-borne diseases, particularly the role of wildlife in their spread. Such knowledge is crucial for wildlife conservation efforts and the management of tick-borne diseases, ultimately benefiting both animal and human health.