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Coxiella burnetii, a bacterium that causes Q fever. It can infect mammals and has a global geographical distribution, but data on its occurrence in Egyptian dromedaries and the associated ticks are limited. Therefore, this study aims to detect C. burnetii in the blood of infested camels and associated ticks collected from Egypt by using molecular techniques and to examine the possibility of coinfections with C. burnetii. A total of 133 blood samples and 1260 hard ticks infesting these camels were collected from Egyptian slaughterhouses. Nested PCR and sequencing were used based on the IS1111 gene for molecular detection of C. burnetii. The identification of tick species at the molecular level was performed using the COX1 gene. C. burnetii was detected in Hyalomma (H) dromedarii, H. anatolicum, H. marginatum, Amblyomma (Am) lipidium, and Am. cohaerens with an overall prevalence rate of 1.3% (16/1260), while in the camel blood samples, it was 15.8% (21/133). Out of C. burnetii-positive ticks, there were double infections by Borrelia species and C. burnetii in H. dromedarii and Am. lipidium and triple infections at one Am. cohaerens tick (C. burnetii, Borrelia spp., and Babesia microti). In addition, two positive camel blood samples were found to carry C. burnetii with Borrelia spp. Our research findings indicate the presence of Coxiella burnetii among camels and their associated ticks in Egypt and emphasize the potential of having coinfection. To prevent the transmission of this infection to other animal species or humans, appropriate control measures should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever in humans. Acute Q fever is usually a flu-like, selflimiting or treatable illness, but some infections can turn into a severe and sometimes fatal chronic disease. There is currently no FDA-approved vaccine available for the prevention of human Q fever in the US, development of a safe and effective vaccine for the prevention of human Q fever remains an important goal for public health. However, there is a fundamental gap in knowledge regarding the mechanism of protective immunity against C. burnetii infection. To understand the mechanism of C. burnetii infection induced protective immunity, we examined if C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) infection induces protection against C. burnetii reinfection in mice. Our results indicate that NMIinfected mice conferred significant protection against C. burnetii reinfection. We also found that NMI infection derived protection did not depend on the routes of infection and antibodies are required for NMI infection derived protection. In addition, NMI infection elicited a comparable level of protection in Wild type, CD4+ T cell deficient, and CD8+ T cell deficient mice, partial protection in B cell deficient mice but no protection in T cell deficient mice. These results suggest that both B cells and T cells are required for NMI-infection derived protection, but T cells may play a critical role. Therefore, the new generation vaccine for the prevention of human Q fever should be focused on boosting both humoral and T cell immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection among veterinary medicine students from two Bulgarian Universities, located in Sofia and Stara Zagora. Blood samples were collected from a total of 185 veterinary students for the detection of C. burnetii phase II antibodies and presence of DNA using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and end-point PCR test. Out of all samples, 29.7% were positive for at least one C. burnetii phase II antibody marker or by the result of the PCR test. Veterinary students from Stara Zagora showed a significantly high seropositivity for Q fever (33.6%), as compared to the students in Sofia (23%; p < 0.05). Evidence of recent exposure with detection of anti-C. burnetii phase II IgM (+) antibodies was observed in 14.6% of the students under study. Seroprevalence among students in Stara Zagora was higher (15.3%). Anti-C. burnetii phase II IgG antibodies were detected in 21.6% of examined samples. Our study revealed a higher seropositivity among the male students (32.8%) as compared to females (16.0%; p < 0.05). The end-point PCR assay detected 5.9% blood samples as positive. The relative risk (RR) of Q fever exposure for male students was 40.7%, whereas it was 24.6% in females (p < 0.05). The findings from this study indicate that the C. burnetii infection is widely distributed amongst veterinary students in Bulgaria. This study emphasizes the need for improved safety protocols and infection control measures in veterinary training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, primarily affecting those in close contact with domestic ruminants, the main source of human infection. Coxiella burnetii has also been detected in various wildlife species globally. In Australia, serological and molecular studies have shown exposure to and infection by C. burnetii in macropods, bandicoots, and koalas. However, the extent to which these species contribute to human infection remains unclear. An unpublished public health investigation into a Q fever case in a person involved in koala care could not conclusively link the infection to koalas due to the patient's broad animal exposure. This study aimed to explore the potential role of koalas in transmitting C. burnetii to humans by investigating the presence of C. burnetii DNA in urogenital tract (UGT) swabs from koalas. DNA was extracted from UGT swabs from koalas in three regions in New South Wales, Australia. An optimised multiplex qPCR assay detected C. burnetii DNA in 2 out of 225 samples (0.89%) at approximately 10 genome equivalents per reaction. Both positive samples amplified all three gene targets. MLVA genotyping identified two distinct C. burnetii genotypes previously isolated from Australian Q fever cases. These findings highlight the need for vaccination against Q fever for those in close contact with koalas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is the causative agent of Q fever, a type of zoonoses withwidespread distribution. In 2019, a case of Q fever was diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) method in Xuyi County (Jiangsu province, China). The seroprevalence of previous fever patients and the molecular epidemiology of Coxiella in wild hedgehogs and harbouring ticks around the confirmed patient were detected to reveal the genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of the Coxiella strains. Four of the 90 serum samples (4.44%) were positive for specific C. burnetii IgM antibody, suggesting that local humans are at risk of Q fever. The positive rates of C. burnetii in hedgehogs and ticks were 21.9% (7/32) and 70.5% (122/173), respectively. At least 3 strains of Coxiella were found prevalent in the investigated area, including one new genotype of pathogenic C. burnetii (XYHT29) and two non-pathogenic Coxiella-like organisms (XYHT19 and XYHT3). XYHT29 carried by ticks and wild hedgehogs successfully infected mice, imposing a potential threat to local humans. XYHT19, a novel Coxiella-like microorganism, was first discovered in the world to co-infect with C. burnetii in Haemaphysalis flava. The study provided significant epidemic information that could be used for prevention and control strategies against Q fever for local public health departments and medical institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which can cause serious illness in humans and abortions in goats. A Q fever outbreak among an unvaccinated goat herd led to a 65% loss of the kid crop in spring 2018. To assess the impact of the outbreak on the herd and environment, longitudinal surveillance of the ranch was conducted across three samplings in September 2018, April 2019, and May 2022. Antibodies against C. burnetii were monitored by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Shedding was monitored through analysis of vaginal/fecal swabs and milk. Environmental swabs and bulk soil were collected from various locations around the ranch. Animal and environmental samples were analyzed for C. burnetii DNA by PCR. Herd-level seroprevalence decreased from 89% in 2018 to 84.3% in 2019, and 64.5% in 2022. Overall herd shedding was 14.4% in 2018, 7.4% in 2019, and 6.7% in 2022. The percentage of C. burnetii-positive environmental samples was 83.7% in 2018, 51.7% in 2019, and 28.6% in 2022. Serological evidence suggests that new infections were occurring in the herd 4 years post-abortion storm. This study demonstrates the presence of C. burnetii shedding and environmental contamination in a goat operation at least four kidding seasons after an outbreak. A better understanding of management practices that can improve outcomes for infected herds, particularly in areas without access to vaccines against C. burnetii, is needed to better protect operators and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is an intracellular pathogen posing a significant global public health threat. There is a pressing need for dependable and effective treatments, alongside an urgency for further research into the molecular characterization of its genome. Within the genomic landscape of Coxiella burnetii, numerous hypothetical proteins remain unidentified, underscoring the necessity for in-depth study. In this study, we conducted comprehensive in silico analyses to identify and prioritize potential hypothetical protein of Coxiella burnetii, aiming to elucidate the structure and function of uncharacterized protein. Furthermore, we delved into the physicochemical properties, localization, and molecular dynamics and simulations, and assessed the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures employing a variety of bioinformatics tools. The in-silico analysis revealed that the uncharacterized protein contains a conserved Mth938-like domain, suggesting a role in preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. Subcellular localization predictions indicated its presence in the cytoplasm, implicating a significant role in cellular processes. Virtual screening identified ligands with high binding affinities, suggesting the protein's potential as a drug target against Q fever. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these complexes, indicating their therapeutic relevance. The findings provide a structural and functional overview of an uncharacterized protein from C. burnetii, implicating it in adipogenesis. This study underscores the power of in-silico approaches in uncovering the biological roles of uncharacterized proteins and facilitating the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. The findings provide valuable preliminary data for further investigation into the protein's role in adipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study was conducted in Abergele and Ziquala districts in Ethiopia to investigate the occurrence, impact, and potential risk factors for abortion in small ruminants linked to a regional abortion storm. Affected (case) and nonaffected (control) villages were compared to assess infectious and noninfectious risk factors causing abortions. A case village was defined as a village with abortion seen in all households enrolled in the study, while a control village is characterized by presence of abortion in two and fewer households. A questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, and serological examinations were used to assess the differences in the abortion rate between the case and control villages. The Rose Bengal Plate Test for Brucellosis, Toxoplasma gondii Antibody Test Kit for Toxoplasma gondii, and ELISA for Chlamydophila abortus and Coxiella burnetii were used to detect antibodies. Per village 15 household flocks were selected. In the case villages, all flocks were affected by abortion (a mean abortion of 13 animals in Abergele and 9 in Ziquala). In contrast, only three households reported abortions in the control villages. A total of 176 blood samples were collected from the case and control villages for further laboratory diagnosis of possible causes of abortion. Of the examined flocks, 17%, 10.2%, and 2.8% were positive for Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Chlamydophila abortus, respectively. However, antibodies against Brucella melitensis were not detected. While the seroprevalence was greater for some infectious agents of abortion, there was no significant difference between the case and control villages. It is clear that the abortion problem in the study villages is complex and likely due to a mix of poor husbandry practices and the presence of infectious diseases. To better understand the underlying causes of abortion, there is a need to conduct a longitudinal study involving testing for more pathogens at the household level combined with reliable data on husbandry practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) can cause asymptomatic infections and acute, chronic, or localized manifestations affecting multiple organs. Doxycycline is the most effective treatment for Q fever. We report two cases of localized C. burnetii infections with no evident epidemiological link. Case reports: We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient admitted for low fever, dry cough, and malaise. The physical examination was unremarkable except for painful hepatomegaly. He was diagnosed with a liver abscess based on inflammatory markers, positive serology for C. burnetii, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) showing a large lesion (112/86/93 mm) within the right liver lobe. Blood cultures and the fluid obtained by percutaneous catheter drainage were negative. After 28 days of treatment with doxycycline, he was discharged well. At the three-month reevaluation, blood tests were normal, and a CT scan showed a minimal residual lesion. The second case was an 81-year-old female with many comorbidities, almost simultaneous acute ischemic stroke, and double-valve (native and prosthetic) infective endocarditis (IE). C. burnetii infection was confirmed by high titers of antibodies (phase I and II IgG), most probably the direct cause of both manifestations. These two cases presented with very rare manifestations of C. burnetii infections, highlighting its diagnostic difficulties. Conclusions: A clear distinction between acute and chronic Q fever is difficult in rare localized infections, as are organ abscesses. Coxiella burnetii may cause stroke and infective endocarditis, especially in the elderly. Even in the absence of epidemiological clues, in patients with localized infections, the C. burnetii etiology should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks are vectors of pathogens that affect the health of animals and humans. With the constant trade of livestock across borders, there is the risk of new tick species invasion accompanied by the spread of infectious tick‐borne pathogens. Aim: This study sought to determine the diversity of tick species within abattoirs and a slaughter slab as well as identify the pathogens carried by these ticks. Methods: The ticks were collected from slaughtered cattle, identified and screened for pathogens using PCR and sequencing. Results: A total of 371 ticks were collected from slaughtered cattle across the three sampling sites: Kumasi abattoir (288, 77.63%), Akwatia Line slaughter slab (52, 14.02%) and Suame abattoir (31, 8.35%). The predominant species was Amblyomma variegatum (85.44%) with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) (0.27%) as the least occurring species. Total nucleic acid from the tick pools was screened for pathogens based on the nucleoprotein gene region in the S segment of the Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) genome, the 295‐bp fragment of the transposase gene of the Coxiella burnetii IS1111a element, the 560 bp segment of the ssrRNA gene of Babesia and Theileria, the 345 bp fragment of the Ehrlichia genus 16SrRNA gene and the rOmpA gene (OmpA) of Rickettsia. From the 52 tick pools screened, 40 (76.92%) were found positive for pathogen DNA. The pathogens identified were Rickettsia africae (69.23%), Rickettsia aeschlimannii (7.69%), C. burnetii (5.77%), uncultured Ehrlichia sp. (5.77%), Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (3.85%) and CCHFV (3.85%). A significant association was observed among A. variegatum, Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma truncatum and occurring tick‐borne pathogens R. africae, R. aeschlimannii and uncultured Ehrlichia sp. (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings show the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens, suggesting an increased risk of infections among the abattoir workers. There is a need to adopt control measures within the abattoirs to prevent pathogen spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In recent years, significant changes have occurred in pediatric care that could have influenced the microbiology and presentation of IE. The aim of this work was to study epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical features of IE treated at a Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Reference Center located in Madrid (Spain) in a 10-years' period. A descriptive observational retrospective study was performed, including pediatric patients < 16 years old with definite or possible IE admitted to a reference center between January 2012 and December 2021. Thirty-two IE episodes were identified. Twenty-eight (87.5%) had congenital heart disease (CHD), 8 (25.0%) were preterm infants, 1 (3.1%) was immunocompromised and 6 (18.8%) had other chronic conditions; in 11 (34.4%) episodes more than one underlying condition was associated. In 20 (62.5%) episodes there was an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC); children with other comorbidities (preterm, immunocompromised, other chronic conditions) were more likely to have a CVC at diagnosis compared with patients with isolated CHD (p < 0.001). Thirty-six microbiological isolates were obtained in the 32 episodes; 4 (12.5%) episodes had 2 isolated microorganisms. Microbiological isolates were 20 (55.6%) Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), 10 (27.8%) non-HACEK Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), 1 (2.8%) HACEK-group bacterium, 4 (11.1%) fungi and 1 (2.8%) Coxiella burnetii. In 10 (31.3%) episodes, patients were colonized by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) and the etiology of IE in 3 (30.0%) of those episodes was the colonizing MDRB. MDRB colonization was associated with MDRB IE (p = 0.007). The most common complication was septic embolism: 11 (34.4%) episodes (9 pulmonary and 2 cerebral). In-hospital mortality was 6.3% (n = 2), all of them due to underlying conditions and not to IE or its complications. Clinical features and complications of IE episodes caused by non-HACEK GNB and those caused by GPB were compared, finding no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Risk factors for developing IE, the proportion of embolic complications, and mortality rate were consistent with previously published findings. Proportion of IE cases attributed to non-HACEK GNB was higher than previously reported, suggesting an evolving epidemiology of IE. One-third of children colonized with MDRB subsequently developed IE caused by the same MDRB strains, so empirical coverage of MDRB organisms must be considered when IE is suspected in MDRB colonized patients. No significant differences in clinical features and complications were observed when comparing IE episodes caused by non-HACEK GNB and those caused by GPB, however larger cohort studies are needed. What is Known: • Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease in children, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. • The main risk factor for developing IE in children is an underlying congenital heart disease. What is New: • With current changing epidemiology in pediatric IE, a higher proportion of IE caused by non-HACEK Gram-negative bacteria should be expected. • A significant percentage of children colonized by multidrug-resistant bacteria can develop an IE due to those bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess epidemiological trends of Q fever in six countries of Southeast Europe by analysing surveillance data for 2002–2021 period. In this descriptive analysis, we collected and analysed data on confirmed human Q fever cases, obtained from the national Public Health Institutes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Overall, 2714 Q fever cases were registered during the 20-year period. The crude average annual notification rate was 0.82 (± 2.06) (95% CI: 0.47–1.16) per 100,000 inhabitants, ranged from 0.06 (± 0.04) (95% CI: 0.04–0.08) /100,000 in Greece to 2.78 (± 4.80) (95% CI: 0.53–5.02) /100,000 in the Republic of Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Significant declining trends of Q fever age standardized rates were registered in Croatia, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia, with an average annual change of -30.15%; -17.13%; -28.33% and − 24.77%, respectively. An unequal spatial distribution was observed. The highest average age-specific notification rate was reported in the 20–59 age group (0.84 (± 0.40) (95% CI: 0.65–1.02) /100,000). Most cases (53.69%) were reported during the spring. Q fever remains a significant public health threat in this part of Europe. The findings of this study revealed the endemic maintenance of this disease in the including countries, with large regional and subnational disparities in notification rates. A downward trend was found in Q fever notification rates across the study countries with the average notification rate higher than in the EU/EEA, during the same period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Globally, India has a high zoonotic disease burden and lacks surveillance data in humans and animals. Rodents are known reservoirs for many zoonotic diseases and their synanthropic behavior poses a great public health threat. Methods In this study, trapped rodents/shrews from randomly selected villages within Puducherry, India, and their ectoparasites were screened for zoonotic pathogens, namely, Orientia tsutsugamushi , other pathogenic rickettsiae, Leptospira spp. Cryptosporidium spp. Coxiella burnetii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using conventional PCR. A total of 58 rodents/shrews were trapped from 11 villages. The species trapped were Suncus murinus (49/58, 84.48%), Rattus rattus (8/58, 13.79%) and Rattus norvegicus (1/58, 1.72%). All ectoparasites collected were identified as mites and its infestation rate was 46.55% (27/58). Results Real-time PCR targeting the 47 kDa gene of O. tsutsugamushi revealed positivity in one rodent and one shrew (3.45%) and two mite pools (7.41%). Conventional PCR targeting the 56 kDa gene revealed positivity in one shrew and two mite pools and the phylogenetic analysis of all three amplicons indicated the circulation of the Gilliam-related serotype. MRSA was detected in the alimentary tract of a shrew (1/32, 3.13%). Leptospira spp. Rickettsia, Cryptosporidium spp. and Co. burnetii tested negative. Conclusions The detection of zoonotic pathogens within reservoir hosts and vectors poses a risk of transmission to humans. This study signifies the need for zoonotic pathogen surveillance in synanthropic rodents/shrews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne pathogens are significant for human, veterinary, and wildlife health. Coxiella burnetii is an example that is widely distributed across various hosts and can cross species boundaries. In Pakistan, there is a scarcity of data regarding C. burnetii at the intersection of wildlife and livestock. Ticks were collected from ruminants and wildlife from the districts of Kasur, Pakpattan, and Okara in Pakistan. Five tick species totaling 571 ticks were collected, with the following distribution: 56.4% Hyalomma anatolicum, 22.4% Rhipicephalus microplus, 10.5% Hyalomma marginatum, 7.9% Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and 2.8% Rhipicephalus turanicus. Fifty tick pools were screened for C. burnetii to amplify a segment of the IS1111 using real-time PCR assays. Ticks collected from sheep and goats had a greater rate of positivity for C. burnetii (40% and 38%, respectively) compared to Indian long-eared hedgehogs with a prevalence of 2%. Coxiella burnetii was prominent in Rhipicephalus microplus (92.3%) and Hyalomma anatolicum (88.9%), followed by Rhipicephalus turanicus (66.6%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (33.3%), and Hyalomma marginatum (25.0%). Ticks from Pakpattan district displayed the highest prevalence of C. burnetii (88.9%), whereas the lowest was observed in ticks from Kasur district (77.3%). There was no significant association between tick gender and C. burnetii infection. Female host animals were more likely to harbor ticks containing C. burnetii, with a prevalence rate of 81.8%. The research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive studies on C. burnetii in Pakistan, especially at the interface of wildlife and livestock. The high prevalence rates observed in certain tick species and geographic regions emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions. Future research should focus on elucidating the transmission dynamics and implementing effective control measures to mitigate the impact of these pathogens on human, veterinary, and wildlife health in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Reddito is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Reddito is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this communication is to highlight the dangers of Q fever outbreaks in laboratories attempting isolation of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) and other rickettsiae without Bio Safety Level (BSL)-3 facilities. This series is reported for the benefit of Microbiologists who evince interest in Rickettsial research. Four cases of Laboratory-acquired Q fever is presented among the laboratory personnel in a tertiary care teaching Hospital in Karnataka in 1977, which has not been reported yet. Four persons (one Lecturer, one animal technician and two M.Sc. students) who assisted in blood collection from slaughtered domestic livestock from butcheries and/or participated in the isolation of C. burnetii by guinea pig inoculation became seropositive for Q fever. The presence of antibodies to C. burnetii was demonstrated by two specific serological tests, Micro Agglutination Test (MAT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT) for Q fever. They responded well to treatment with oxytetracycline, the drug of choice. It should be known that even microscopic demonstration of C. burnetii and other rickettsiae in the ectoparasites is hazardous, due to liberation of infective aerosol in the process. A safe commercial Q fever vaccine for laboratory and farm workers is presently available in Australia alone. Therefore, preventive measures like use of BSL-3 facility in the laboratory as well as animal house, wearing N95 face masks and protective clothing (PPE) are some of the essential precautions to follow so as to prevent laboratory acquired Q fever infection, which is an important occupational hazard.

Yuxuan Yao,1– 3 Hong Zhao,4 Hua Lu,5 Xiaoli Liu,6 Hui Liu,7 Zhanli Fu,8 Chunyue Li,1 Fude Zhou,1– 3 Wanyin Hou,1– 3 Sufang Shi1– 3 1Department of Nephrology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-Mediated Kidney Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Infectious Disease, Center for Liver Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Nephrology, Xingtai People’s Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 6Department of Pathology, Xingtai People’s Hospital, Xingtai, Hebei, People’s Republic of China; 7Department of Pathology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 8Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wanyin Hou; Hong Zhao, Peking University First Hospital, Xicheng District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 10-83575685, Email helenwanyin@bjmu.edu.cn; zhaohong_pufh@bjmu.edu.cnAbstract: Q fever, an infectious zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, remains prevalent in China. Systemic infections can result in renal or hepatic complications; however, it is rare for both the kidneys and liver to be simultaneously affected. We present a case of a patient who exhibited fever, rapid deterioration in renal function, thrombocytopenia, and severe ascites. Renal biopsy revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis, while liver biopsy demonstrated non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified the presence of Coxiella burnetii in both venous blood and liver tissue samples. Notably, the patient’s renal insufficiency and ascites showed a positive response to treatment for chronic Q fever. These findings provide valuable insights into the limited understanding of kidney and liver diseases associated with Q fever. Advanced diagnostic technologies, including mNGS and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), have been employed to identify Coxiella burnetii infection.Keywords: Coxiella burnetii, acute kidney injury, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, biopsies

Abstract This study aimed to assess epidemiological trends of Q fever in six countries of Southeast Europe by analysing surveillance data for 2002–2021 period. In this descriptive analysis, we collected and analysed data on confirmed human Q fever cases, obtained from the national Public Health Institutes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Overall, 2714 Q fever cases were registered during the 20-year period. The crude average annual notification rate was 0.82 (± 2.06) (95% CI: 0.47–1.16) per 100,000 inhabitants, ranged from 0.06 (± 0.04) (95% CI: 0.04–0.08) /100,000 in Greece to 2.78 (± 4.80) (95% CI: 0.53–5.02) /100,000 in the Republic of Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Significant declining trends of Q fever age standardized rates were registered in Croatia, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia, with an average annual change of -30.15%; -17.13%; -28.33% and − 24.77%, respectively. An unequal spatial distribution was observed. The highest average age-specific notification rate was reported in the 20–59 age group (0.84 (± 0.40) (95% CI: 0.65–1.02) /100,000). Most cases (53.69%) were reported during the spring. Q fever remains a significant public health threat in this part of Europe. The findings of this study revealed the endemic maintenance of this disease in the including countries, with large regional and subnational disparities in notification rates. A downward trend was found in Q fever notification rates across the study countries with the average notification rate higher than in the EU/EEA, during the same period.

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, for which there is yet to be an FDA-approved vaccine. This bacterial pathogen has both extra- and intracellular stages in its life cycle, and therefore both a cell-mediated (i.e., T lymphocyte) and humoral (i.e., antibody) immune response are necessary for effective eradication of this pathogen. However, most proposed vaccines elicit strong responses to only one mechanism of adaptive immunity, and some can either cause reactogenicity or lack sufficient immunogenicity. In this work, we aim to apply a nanoparticle-based platform toward producing both antibody and T cell immune responses against C. burnetii. We investigated three approaches for conjugation of the immunodominant outer membrane protein antigen (CBU1910) to the E2 nanoparticle to obtain a consistent antigen orientation: direct genetic fusion, high affinity tris-NTA-Ni conjugation to polyhistidine-tagged CBU1910, and the SpyTag/SpyCatcher (ST/SC) system. Overall, we found that the ST/SC approach yielded nanoparticles loaded with the highest number of antigens while maintaining stability, enabling formulations that could simultaneously co-deliver the protein antigen (CBU1910) and adjuvant (CpG1826) on one nanoparticle (CBU1910-CpG-E2). Using protein microarray analyses, we found that after immunization, antigen-bound nanoparticle formulations elicited significantly higher antigen-specific IgG responses than soluble CBU1910 alone and produced more balanced IgG1/IgG2c ratios. Although T cell recall assays from these protein antigen formulations did not show significant increases in antigen-specific IFN-γ production compared to soluble CBU1910 alone, nanoparticles conjugated with a CD4 peptide epitope from CBU1910 generated elevated T cell responses in mice to both the CBU1910 peptide epitope and whole CBU1910 protein. These investigations highlight the feasibility of conjugating antigens to nanoparticles for tuning and improving both humoral- and cell-mediated adaptive immunity against C. burnetii.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection among veterinary medicine students from two Bulgarian Universities, located in Sofia and Stara Zagora. Blood samples were collected from a total of 185 veterinary students for the detection of C. burnetii phase II antibodies and presence of DNA using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and end-point PCR test. Out of all samples, 29.7% were positive for at least one C. burnetii phase II antibody marker or by the result of the PCR test. Veterinary students from Stara Zagora showed a significantly high seropositivity for Q fever (33.6%), as compared to the students in Sofia (23%; p < 0.05). Evidence of recent exposure with detection of anti-C. burnetii phase II IgM (+) antibodies was observed in 14.6% of the students under study. Seroprevalence among students in Stara Zagora was higher (15.3%). Anti-C. burnetii phase II IgG antibodies were detected in 21.6% of examined samples. Our study revealed a higher seropositivity among the male students (32.8%) as compared to females (16.0%; p < 0.05). The end-point PCR assay detected 5.9% blood samples as positive. The relative risk (RR) of Q fever exposure for male students was 40.7%, whereas it was 24.6% in females (p < 0.05). The findings from this study indicate that the C. burnetii infection is widely distributed amongst veterinary students in Bulgaria. This study emphasizes the need for improved safety protocols and infection control measures in veterinary training programs.

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) can cause asymptomatic infections and acute, chronic, or localized manifestations affecting multiple organs. Doxycycline is the most effective treatment for Q fever. We report two cases of localized C. burnetii infections with no evident epidemiological link. Case reports: We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient admitted for low fever, dry cough, and malaise. The physical examination was unremarkable except for painful hepatomegaly. He was diagnosed with a liver abscess based on inflammatory markers, positive serology for C. burnetii, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) showing a large lesion (112/86/93 mm) within the right liver lobe. Blood cultures and the fluid obtained by percutaneous catheter drainage were negative. After 28 days of treatment with doxycycline, he was discharged well. At the three-month reevaluation, blood tests were normal, and a CT scan showed a minimal residual lesion. The second case was an 81-year-old female with many comorbidities, almost simultaneous acute ischemic stroke, and double-valve (native and prosthetic) infective endocarditis (IE). C. burnetii infection was confirmed by high titers of antibodies (phase I and II IgG), most probably the direct cause of both manifestations. These two cases presented with very rare manifestations of C. burnetii infections, highlighting its diagnostic difficulties. Conclusions: A clear distinction between acute and chronic Q fever is difficult in rare localized infections, as are organ abscesses. Coxiella burnetii may cause stroke and infective endocarditis, especially in the elderly. Even in the absence of epidemiological clues, in patients with localized infections, the C. burnetii etiology should be considered.

Abstract Background Coxiella burnetii is a bacterium with extreme tenacity and contagiousness that is mainly transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Nevertheless, a transmission by ticks is under discussion. We report a case of Q fever in an urban environment and far away from sheep breeding that caused a rare right-sided endocarditis. Case presentation A 55-year-old man who was in good health before the event developed a C. burnetii -endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. He had no contact with sheep and no recent travel in a rural or even endemic area. The infection originated in a strictly urban environment, and the patient’s occupation as a cemetery gardener in Berlin, coupled with the close temporal and local exposure to wild boar, made a transmission by these animals a plausible hypothesis. The infection was confirmed by the German Reference Laboratory, and the patient recovered completely after treatment with doxycycline and hydrochlorquine. Conclusions The specialities of this case report are the right-sided endocarditis and the transmission of C. burnetii in a metropolitan area without sheep contact. We think that this case should serve to increase awareness of the potential for Q fever infection even in non-rural areas.

Abstract Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is an intracellular pathogen posing a significant global public health threat. There is a pressing need for dependable and effective treatments, alongside an urgency for further research into the molecular characterization of its genome. Within the genomic landscape of Coxiella burnetii, numerous hypothetical proteins remain unidentified, underscoring the necessity for in-depth study. In this study, we conducted comprehensive in silico analyses to identify and prioritize potential hypothetical protein of Coxiella burnetii, aiming to elucidate the structure and function of uncharacterized protein. Furthermore, we delved into the physicochemical properties, localization, and molecular dynamics and simulations, and assessed the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures employing a variety of bioinformatics tools. The in-silico analysis revealed that the uncharacterized protein contains a conserved Mth938-like domain, suggesting a role in preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. Subcellular localization predictions indicated its presence in the cytoplasm, implicating a significant role in cellular processes. Virtual screening identified ligands with high binding affinities, suggesting the protein’s potential as a drug target against Q fever. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these complexes, indicating their therapeutic relevance. The findings provide a structural and functional overview of an uncharacterized protein from C. burnetii, implicating it in adipogenesis. This study underscores the power of in-silico approaches in uncovering the biological roles of uncharacterized proteins and facilitating the discovery of new therapeutic strategies. The findings provide valuable preliminary data for further investigation into the protein’s role in adipogenesis.

Zorunlu hücre içi bakteri olan Coxiella burnetii, insanlar da dahil olmak üzere omurgalıların zoonotik bir hastalığı olan Q ateşinin etkenidir. Yaygın enfeksiyon yolları kontamine ahır tozunu solumak ve enfekte hayvanların atıklarıyla temastır. Bu çalışmanın materyalini Haziran-Eylül 2019 tarihleri arasında Türkiye’nin doğusundaki Van ilinde bulunan 70 sokak köpeğinden toplanan 200 adet kene oluşturmuştur. Toplanan keneler %70’lik alkol içeren tüplere alınarak parazitoloji laboratuvarına nakledilmiştir. hangi etiketlerin yapıştırıldığı. Keneler tüplere yerleştirildi ve sıvı nitrojen ile dondurularak ezildi. DNA, kit üreticisinin protokolüne göre izole edildi. Coxiella burnetii’nin DNA’sını tespit etmek için IS1111 tekrarlayan transpozaz gen bölgesine özel bir Trans 1, Trans 2 primer çifti kullanıldı. Saflaştırılmış amplikonların çift yönlü dizi analizi, DNA dizileyici ile gerçekleştirildi. IS1111 transpozaz genini hedef alan PCR sonucunda 200 kenenin 2’sinde (%1) Coxiella burnetii pozitif sonuç elde edildi. Van ilinde serbest dolaşan köpeklerde Q ateşi epidemiyolojisinde potansiyel risk faktörleri ve kenelerin önemi, parazit kene türleri ve köpeklerde C. burnetii pozitif kenelerin prevalansı belirlenerek vurgulanmıştır.

Since the development of microbiology as a science, the identification, systematics and classification of microorganisms have been carried out based on the study of phenotypic characteristics. In the second half of the 20th century, after the discovery of the structure of DNA and polymerase chain reaction, the era of molecular biological research began in microbiology. Since 2002, the use of a complex of molecular biological and phylogenetic methods has been recommended as a guiding approach in the classification and taxonomy of prokaryotes, which has led to reclassification in some taxa. The representation of the taxonomy of Legionella pneumophila (order Legionellales, class Gammaproteobacteria) was formulated after the outbreak of legionnaires' disease (legionellosis) in the USA in 1976. The description of the causative agent of Q-fever – Coxiella burnetii occurred 40 years earlier, but its classification and taxonomic status in the order Rickettsiales of the class Alphaproteobacteria were presented incorrectly based on the study of available phenotypic characteristics in the 1930s and 1950s. This determined the «fate» of C. burnetii and Q-fever for half a century, included in the list of rickettsiae and rickettsioses traditionally studied by rickettsiologists. As a result of the application of molecular biological methods in the 1990s, in the order Legionellales was replenished by several representatives of the order Rickettsiales, three representatives of which (C. burnetii, Rickettsiella grilli and Wolbachia persica) were moved to the class Gammaproteobacteria. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence led to the reclassification of Coxiella into a separate genus of gamma-proteobacteria of the phylum Proteobacteria (now Pseudomonadota) along with the genera Legionella, Francisella and Rickettsiella with representatives of which have the greatest phylogenetic relationship. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of C. burnetii isolates from different geographical regions revealed only three nucleotide substitutions, indicating that the nucleotide sequences of these strains are closely related (the degree of homology is 99%), which confirms the phylogenetic uniformity of the genus Coxiella within a single species. A comparative analysis of the proteome of representatives of the order Legionellales and a phylodendrogramm constructed during the study of the main proteins of representatives of the genera Legionella, Coxiella, Acquicella and Rickettsiella (Diplorickettsia) allowed the formation of various clades confirming their monophyla. The C. burnetii genome encodes 24 similar components out of 27 involved in the pathogenesis of L. pneumophila by type IVB secretory system (type IVB secretory systems). Verification of the taxonomic position of C. burnetii is an example of the use of molecular biological methods to solve problems of taxonomy and classification of prokaryotes. It is advisable to use an integrated approach based on the application of «classical» methods of bacteriology and new molecular biological and phylogenetic methods, which will allow to obtain an objective understanding of the microorganisms associated with the human population.

Abstract Background Q fever, caused by the zoonotic pathogen Coxiella burnetii, exhibits a worldwide prevalence. In China, Q fever is not recognized as a notifiable disease, and the disease is overlooked and underestimated in clinical practice, leading to diagnostic challenges. Case presentation We present a case series of three patients diagnosed with persistent Q fever between 2022 and 2023. The average age of our three cases was 63.33 years old, consisting of two males and one female. The medical history of the individuals included previous valve replacement, aneurysm followed by aortic stent-graft placement and prosthetic hip joint replacement. At the onset of the disease, only one case exhibited acute fever, while the remaining two cases were devoid of any acute symptoms. The etiology was initially overlooked until metagenomic next-generation sequencing test identified Coxiella burnetii from the blood or biopsy samples. Delayed diagnosis was noted, with a duration ranging from three months to one year between the onset of the disease and its confirmation. The epidemiological history uncovered that none of the three cases had direct exposure to domestic animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Case 1 and 2 resided in urban areas, while Case 3 was a rural resident engaged in farming. All patients received combination therapy of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine, and no recurrence of the disease was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion Q fever is rarely diagnosed and reported in clinical practice in our country. We should be aware of persistent Q fever in high-risk population, even with unremarkable exposure history. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing holds great potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying rare and fastidious pathogens such as Coxiella burnetii.

Q fever has become one of the most common causes of abortion in sheep herds, resulting in signifi-cant financial losses for Egyptian farmers. The goal of this study was to establish Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence and molecular detection in three sheep farms in Egypt. A total of 184 sheep of various ages and sexes had their serum samples and vaginal swabs taken. All serum samples were checked for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies by using an ELISA, while 50 vaginal swabs were randomly chosen for molecular detection of the C. burnetii IS1111 gene. The overall seroprevalence of Q fever in sheep was 37.5%, and it was more common in females (39.5%) than in males (8.3%). Antibodies to C. burnetii were found in more than half of pregnant ewes (47.7%). Antibodies to C. burnetii were found in 47.7% of pregnant ewes, compared to 31.4% in non-pregnant and abortive ewes (43.8%). Seroprevalence was observed to be significantly higher in sheep older than 3 years (71.2%). The presence of the C. burnetii IS1111 gene was found in 20% of the molecularly analysed vaginal swabs. Based on the abortion history and pregnancy state of the studied sheep, no statistical significance was identified, since the C. burnetii gene was present in equal percentages in both aborted and non-aborted ewes. A comparison of ELISA and PCR results for vaginal swab samples revealed a statistically non-significant link between the two procedures’ results. These findings revealed sheep as an important reservoir for C. burnetii infection, implying that the role of C. burnetii in sheep should be studied further.

Background: Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, and Rift Valley fever virus are two under-researched zoonotic pathogens in Ethiopia. Potential outbreaks of these diseases, in light of the high dependency of nomadic pastoralists on their livestock, poses a risk to both human and animal health in addition to risking the pastoralists livelihoods. Our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoral communities in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal findings: This cross-sectional study screened pastoralists (n = 323) and their livestock (n = 1377) for IgG antibodies to Coxiella burnetii and Rift Valley fever virus. A seroprevalence for Q fever of 25.0% (95%CI 18.6–32.6) was found in pastoralists and 34.3% (95%CI 27.9–41.3) in livestock overall; with 51.9% in goats (95%CI 44.9–58.8), 39.9% in sheep (95%CI 24.6–51.2), 16.3% in camels (95%CI 10.4–24.6) and 8.8% in cattle (95%CI 5.0–15.0). For Rift Valley fever the seroprevalence in pastoralists was 6.1% (95%CI 3.3–11.0) and 3.9% (95%CI 2.6–5.7) in livestock overall; cattle had the highest seroprevalence (8.3%, 95%CI 3.3–19.2), followed by goats (2.7%; 95%CI 1.4–5.1), sheep (2.5%; 95%CI 1.0–5.9) and camels (1.8%; 95%CI 0.4–6.9). Human Q fever seropositivity was found to be associated with goat abortions (OR = 2.11, 95%CI 1.18–3.78, p = 0.011), while Rift Valley fever seropositivity in livestock was found to be associated with cattle abortions (OR = 2.52, 95%CI 1.05–6.08, p = 0.039). Conclusions/Significance: This study provides evidence for a notable exposure to both Q fever and Rift Valley fever in pastoralists and livestock in Afar. The outbreak potential of these pathogens warrants ongoing integrated human and animal surveillance requiring close collaboration of the human and animal health sectors with community representatives following a One Health approach. Author summary: Q fever and Rift Valley fever are two diseases that can affect both humans and animals, causing illness and death. These two diseases can cause large-scale outbreaks, not only affecting the health of individuals and communities but also resulting in a substantial economic loss at the individual, community, regional and national levels through losses in livestock products. We conducted a sero-epidemiological study in the Afar region of north-eastern Ethiopia to determine the presence of these two diseases in nomadic pastoralists and their livestock. Our results indicate that 25.0% of the pastoralists and 34.3% of their animals have had previous exposure to Q fever and 6.1% of the pastoralists and 3.9% of their animals have been exposed to Rift Valley fever. Goats appear to be the most common livestock species associated with Q fever in this region, while cattle are the most common species associated with Rift Valley fever. Our findings highlight the importance of continuous surveillance; additionally, we would recommend the development of rapid response plans for potential outbreaks that integrate the human and animal health sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid point-of-care tests for malaria are now widely used in many countries to guide the initial clinical management of patients presenting with febrile illness. With China having recently achieved malaria elimination, better understanding regarding the identity and distribution of major non-malarial causes of febrile illnesses is of particular importance to inform evidence-based empirical treatment policy. Methods: A systematic review of published literature was undertaken to characterise the spectrum of pathogens causing non-malaria febrile illness in China (1980–2015). Literature searches were conducted in English and Chinese languages in six databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Global Health, EMBASE, Web of Science™ – Chinese Science Citation Database SM, The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang Med Online. Selection criteria included reporting on an infection or infections with a confirmed diagnosis, defined as pathogens detected in or cultured from samples from normally sterile sites, or serological evidence of current or past infection. The number of published articles, reporting a given pathogen were presented, rather than incidence or prevalence of infection. Results: A total of 57,181 records from 13 provinces of China where malaria used to be endemic were screened, of which 392 met selection criteria and were included in this review. The review includes 60 (15.3%) records published from 1980 to 2000, 211 (53.8%) from 2001 to 2010 and 121 (30.9%) from 2011 to 2015;. Of the 392 records, 166 (42.3%) were from the eastern region of China, 120 (30.6%) were from the south-west, 102 (26.0%) from south-central, and four (1.0%) were multi-regional studies. Bacterial infections were reported in 154 (39.3%) records, viral infections in 219 (55.9%), parasitic infections in four (1.0%), fungal infections in one (0.3%), and 14 (3.6%) publications reported more than one pathogen group. Participants of all ages were included in 136 (34.7%) studies, only adults in 75 (19.1%), only children in 17 (4.3%), only neonates in two (0.5%) and the age distribution was not specified in 162 (41.3%) records. The most commonly reported bacterial pathogens included Typhoidal Salmonella (n = 30), Orientia/ Rickettsia tsutsugamushi (n = 31), Coxiella burnetii (n = 17), Leptospira spp. (n = 15) and Brucella spp. (n = 15). The most commonly reported viral pathogens included Hantavirus/Hantaan virus (n = 89), dengue virus (DENV) (n = 76 including those with unknown serovars), Japanese encephalitis virus (n = 21), and measles virus (n = 15). The relative lack of data in the western region of the country, as well as in in neonates and children, represented major gaps in the understanding of the aetiology of fever in China. Conclusions: This review presents a landscape of non-malaria pathogens causing febrile illness in China over 36 years as the country progressed toward malaria elimination. These findings can inform guidelines for clinical management of fever cases and infection surveillance and prevention, and highlight the need to standardize operational and reporting protocols for better understanding of fever aetiology in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ticks are ectoparasites of animals and humans that can transmit pathogens usually referred to as Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). This study analyzed 683 ticks collected from different wild animals (roe deer, wild boar, fallow deer, and chamois) hunted in Liguria between 2019 and 2022. Tick species were identified by morphological analysis; ticks from the same animal were grouped into homogeneous pools by species and life stage and submitted to molecular analysis for the detection of specific TBPs. Four different tick species were found: the most common was Ixodes ricinus, followed by Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s., and Haemaphysalis punctata. Almost 28% of the 222 tick pools analyzed were positive for at least one TBP. Most pools were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found, all potential agents of human disease: Rickettsia slovaca, R. monacensis, R. helvetica, R. massiliae, and R. raoultii. Varying prevalences were found depending on the tick and host species. Other less frequent TBPs were Anaplasma phagocytophilum (three pools) and B. burgdorferi s.l. (one pool). All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The widespread presence of TBPs, particularly of several zoonotic Rickettsia species, requires the monitoring of domestic and wild animals and providing specific information to citizens for preventive actions. Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a considerable public health problem worldwide. The occurrence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) was investigated via PCR and sequencing in 683 ticks collected from 105 roe deer, 61 wild boars, 49 fallow deer, and 2 chamois, in the Liguria region, northwest Italy, between 2019 and 2022. The ticks were morphologically identified. Four different tick species were found: Ixodes ricinus (66.8% of the collected ticks), Dermacentor marginatus (15.8%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s. (15.7%), and Haemaphysalis punctata (0.9%). Six ticks (0.9%) were only identified as Rhipicephalus spp. Of the 222 pools analyzed, 27.9% were positive. Most pools (n = 58, 26.1% of pools analyzed) were positive for Rickettsia spp., and several species were found: Rickettsia slovaca was the dominant species (15.3%), followed by R. monacensis (8.1%), while R. helvetica (1.8%), R. massiliae (0.5%), and R. raoultii (0.5%) were found only sporadically. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified in three pools and B. burgdorferi s.l. in one pool. All samples were negative for C. burnetii and TBEv. Significant associations were found between I. ricinus and roe deer, D. marginatus and wild boar, and between R. monacensis and I. ricinus. The prevalence of Rickettsia spp. differed significantly between tick and host species. This updated picture of tick species and TBPs in wild ungulates in Liguria, where the population of these animals is increasing, shows a widespread presence of potentially zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Continuous monitoring and public information on preventive measures are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aconitate decarboxylase-1 (ACOD1) is expressed by activated macrophages and generates itaconate that exerts anti-microbial and immunoregulatory effects. ACOD1-itaconate is essential for macrophage-mediated control of the intracellular pathogen Coxiella (C.) burnetii, which causes Q fever. Two isomers of itaconate, mesaconate and citraconate, have overlapping yet distinct activity on macrophage metabolism and inflammatory gene expression. Here, we found that all three isomers inhibited the growth of C. burnetii in axenic culture in ACCM-2 medium. However, only itaconate reduced C. burnetii replication efficiently in Acod1-/- macrophages. In contrast, addition of citraconate strongly increased C. burnetii replication in Acod1+/- macrophages, whereas mesaconate weakly enhanced bacterial burden in Acod1-/- macrophages. Analysis of intracellular isomers showed that exogenous citraconate and mesaconate inhibited the generation of itaconate by infected Acod1+/- macrophages. Uptake of added isomers into Acod1-/- macrophages was increased after infection for itaconate and mesaconate, but not for citraconate. Mesaconate, but not citraconate, competed with itaconate for uptake into macrophages. Taken together, inhibition of itaconate generation by macrophages and interference with the uptake of extracellular itaconate could be identified as potential mechanisms behind the divergent effects of citraconate and mesaconate on C. burnetii replication in macrophages or in axenic culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding multi-pathogen infections/exposures in livestock is critical to inform prevention and control measures against infectious diseases. We investigated the co-exposure of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., and Coxiella burnetii in cattle in three zones stratified by land use change and with different wildlife-livestock interactions in Narok county, Kenya. We also assessed potential risk factors associated with the transmission of these pathogens in cattle. Methods: We identified five villages purposively, two each for areas with intensive (zone 1) and moderate wildlife-livestock interactions (zone 2) and one for locations with low wildlife-livestock interactions (zone 3). We sampled 1,170 cattle from 390 herds through a cross-sectional study and tested the serum samples for antibodies against the focal pathogens using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. A questionnaire was administered to gather epidemiological data on the putative risk factors associated with cattle's exposure to the investigated pathogens. Data were analyzed using the Bayesian hierarchical models with herd number as a random effect to adjust for the within-herd clustering of the various co-exposures among cattle. Results: Overall, 88.0% (95% CI: 85.0-90.5) of the cattle tested positive for at least one of the targeted pathogens, while 41.7% (95% CI: 37.7-45.8) were seropositive to at least two pathogens. FMDV and Brucella spp. had the highest co-exposure at 33.7% (95% CI: 30.9-36.5), followed by FMDV and Leptospira spp. (21.8%, 95% CI: 19.5-24.4), Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. (8.8%, 95% CI: 7.2-10.6), FMDV and C. burnetii (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.7-2.8), Brucella spp. and C. burnetii (1.0%, 95% CI: 0.3-2.2), and lowest for Leptospira spp. and C. burnetii (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.0-1.2). Cattle with FMDV and Brucella spp., and Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. co-exposures and those simultaneously exposed to FMDV, Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. were significantly higher in zone 1 than in zones 2 and 3. However, FMDV and Leptospira spp. co-exposure was higher in zones 1 and 2 than zone 3. Discussion/conclusion: We recommend the establishment of a One Health surveillance system in the study area to reduce the morbidity of the targeted zoonotic pathogens in cattle and the risks of transmission to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Query (Q) fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii typically presenting as an influenza-like illness (ILI) with or without hepatitis. The infection may be missed by clinicians in settings of low endemicity, as the presentation is clinically not specific, and there are many more common differential diagnoses for ILI including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Residual serum samples were retrospectively tested for Phase 1 and 2 Q fever-specific IgM, IgG, IgA antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and C. burnetii DNA by polymerase chain reaction. They had not been previously tested for Q fever, originating from undiagnosed patients with probable ILI, aged 10–70 years and living in regional New South Wales, Australia. The results were compared with contemperaneous data on acute Q fever diagnostic tests which had been performed based on clinicians requests from a geographically similar population. Results: Only one (0.2%) instance of missed acute Q fever was identified after testing samples from 542 eligible patients who had probable ILI between 2016–2023. Laboratory data showed that during the same period, 731 samples were tested for acute Q fever for clinician-initiated requests and of those 70 (9.6%) were positive. Probability of being diagnosed with Q fever after a clinician initiated request was similar regardless of the patients sex, age and the calendar year of sampling. Conclusion: In this sample, Q fever was most likely to be diagnosed via clinician requested testing rather than by testing of undiagnosed patients with an influenza like illness. Author summary: Q fever is a highly contagious infection presenting as an influenza-like illness or less commonly as acute hepatitis. Literature shows that there may be diagnostic delays in recognizing Q fever by primary care physicians if they are unfamiliar with the infection. We tested residual serum samples stored at NSW Health Pathology between 2016–2023 for Q fever, if that sample originated from a rural postcode in NSW and had been tested previously for an organism causing influenza like illnesses, but not Q fever. After testing 542 eligible samples only one case of missed acute Q fever was found. In the same period, from a similar population the same diagnostic laboratory received 731 requests for Q fever testing from which 70 were positive. Therefore, In this study the number of missed acute Q fever cases were clinically insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study provides a description of the surveillance strategies adopted during an outbreak caused by the ST79 genotype of Coxiella burnetii, which has been endemic in the area for over a decade. It provides a detailed overview of C. burnetii infection in both wild and domestic animal populations in the Abruzzo and Molise regions. In the review of C. burnetii infections, data on the prevalence and impact of the bacterium in different animal hosts have been presented. This includes molecular findings that allow an assessment of the dynamics of infection before and after vaccination. In addition, this study proposes a novel NGS-based approach for in silico multi-spacer typing (MST) of C. burnetii. The results highlight the importance of surveillance and control measures in domestic animal populations to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. The main reservoirs for this bacterium, which can lead to human infection, in our region are typically cattle, goats, and sheep. In animals, C. burnetii infection is often detected due to reproductive problems. European Member States are required to report confirmed cases annually, but the lack of uniform reporting methods makes the data rather inconsistent. The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise is involved in official controls to identify the causes of abortions, monitor suspected or positive herds, evaluate suspected infections in pets and humans, monitor the spread in wildlife, etc. In this paper, we summarize the presence of C. burnetii over the last five years (2019–2023). Additionally, a detailed overview of C. burnetii infection in wild and domestic animals is provided. Five hundred sixty animals—including cattle; goats; sheep; wild animals, such as deer, boars, wolves, roe deer, owls, and otters; buffalo; dogs; horses; cats; and a donkey—and six human samples were tested by real-time PCR on the transposase gene IS1111 to detect C. burnetii. The MST profile was identified in some of the samples. Outbreaks of C. burnetii occurred in four herds. In one of them, it was possible to follow the outbreak from inception to eradication by evaluating the effect of vaccination on real-time PCR Ct values. A total of 116 animals tested positive for C. burnetii, including 73 goats, 42 sheep, and one bovine. None of the other samples tested positive. The strains for which the ST was performed were identified as ST79, a strain that has been present in the area for more than ten years. The effect of vaccination on the reduction of positive samples and the variation of real-time PCR Ct values was evaluated in strict correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis due to Coxiella burnetii , responsible for endocarditis and endovascular infections. Since the 1990s, the combination hydroxychloroquine + doxycycline has constituted the curative and prophylactic treatment in persistent focalized Q fever. This combination appears to have significantly reduced the treatment's duration (from 60 to 26 months), yet substantial evidence of effectiveness remains lacking. Data are mostly based on in vitro and observational studies. We conducted a literature review to assess the effectiveness of this therapy, along with potential alternatives. The proposed in vitro mechanism of action describes the inhibition of Coxiella replication by doxycycline through the restoration of its bactericidal activity (inhibited in acidic environment) by alkalinization of phagolysosome-like vacuoles with hydroxychloroquine. So far, the rarity and heterogeneous presentation of cases have made it challenging to design prospective studies with statistical power. The main studies supporting this treatment are retrospective cohorts, dating back to the 1990s–2000s. Retrospective studies from the large Dutch outbreak of Q fever (>4000 cases between 2007 and 2010) did not corroborate a clear benefit of this combination, notably in comparison with other regimens. Thus, there is still no consensus among the medical community on this issue. However insufficient the evidence, today the doxycycline + hydroxychloroquine combination remains the regimen with the largest clinical experience in the treatment of 'chronic' Q fever. Reinforcing the guidelines' level of evidence is critical. We herein propose the creation of an extensive international registry, followed by a prospective cohort or ideally a randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic multi‐host vector‐borne pathogen of major public health importance. Although the European Food Safety Authority has recently made the monitoring of this bacterium in wildlife a priority, the role of wild lagomorphs in the transmission and maintenance of C. burnetii is poorly understood. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with C. burnetii circulation in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) and to assess the presence of this pathogen in ticks that feed on them in Mediterranean ecosystems in Spain, the country with the highest number of reported cases of Q fever in Europe. Methods: A total of 574 spleen samples were collected from 453 wild rabbits and 121 Iberian hares, and 513 ticks (processed in 120 pools) between the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons. Results: C. burnetii DNA was detected in 103 (17.9%; 95% CI: 14.8–21.1) of the 574 wild lagomorphs tested. By species, prevalence was 16.3% (74/453; 95% CI: 12.9–19.7) in the European wild rabbit and 24.0% (29/121; 95% CI: 16.4–31.6) in the Iberian hare. At least one positive lagomorph was found on 47.9% of the 96 hunting estates sampled and in every hunting season since 2018/2019. Two risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection were as follows: outbreak of myxomatosis on the hunting estate in the month prior to sampling and high tick abundance observed by gamekeepers on the hunting estate. C. burnetii DNA was also found in 33 of the 120 (27.5%; 95% CI: 19.5–35.5) tick pools tested. The pathogen was detected in 66.7% (4/6), 29.2% (26/89) and 21.4% (3/14) of Haemaphysalis hispanica, Rhipicephalus pusillus and Hyalomma lusitanicum pools respectively. Conclusions: This study provides new epidemiological data on C. burnetii in European wild rabbits and is the first survey on this zoonotic pathogen performed in Iberian hares. Our results indicate widespread endemic circulation of C. burnetii and highlight the importance of both wild lagomorph species as natural reservoirs of this zoonotic bacterium in Mediterranean ecosystems in southern Spain, which may be of public and animal health concern. The high prevalence and wide diversity of positive tick species suggest the possible role of ticks in the epidemiological cycle of C. burnetii, with the potential risk of transmission to sympatric species, including humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi‐arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR‐positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR‐positive ticks. Methods and Results: Blood was collected from camels (N = 233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N = 4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N = 397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella‐like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella‐like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR‐positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4–5.1; p = 0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids. Conclusions: The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxiella burnetii is a bacterium with extreme tenacity and contagiousness that is mainly transmitted by inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Nevertheless, a transmission by ticks is under discussion. We report a case of Q fever in an urban environment and far away from sheep breeding that caused a rare right-sided endocarditis. Case presentation: A 55-year-old man who was in good health before the event developed a C. burnetii -endocarditis of the tricuspid valve. He had no contact with sheep and no recent travel in a rural or even endemic area. The infection originated in a strictly urban environment, and the patient's occupation as a cemetery gardener in Berlin, coupled with the close temporal and local exposure to wild boar, made a transmission by these animals a plausible hypothesis. The infection was confirmed by the German Reference Laboratory, and the patient recovered completely after treatment with doxycycline and hydrochlorquine. Conclusions: The specialities of this case report are the right-sided endocarditis and the transmission of C. burnetii in a metropolitan area without sheep contact. We think that this case should serve to increase awareness of the potential for Q fever infection even in non-rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial zoonoses are established causes of severe febrile illness in East Africa. Within a fever etiology study, we applied a high-throughput 16S rRNA metagenomic assay validated for detecting bacterial zoonotic pathogens. We enrolled febrile patients admitted to 2 referral hospitals in Moshi, Tanzania, during September 2007-April 2009. Among 788 participants, median age was 20 (interquartile range 2-38) years. We performed PCR amplification of V1-V2 variable region 16S rRNA on cell pellet DNA, then metagenomic deep-sequencing and pathogenic taxonomic identification. We detected bacterial zoonotic pathogens in 10 (1.3%) samples: 3 with Rickettsia typhi, 1 R. conorii, 2 Bartonella quintana, 2 pathogenic Leptospira spp., and 1 Coxiella burnetii. One other sample had reads matching a Neoerhlichia spp. previously identified in a patient from South Africa. Our findings indicate that targeted 16S metagenomics can identify bacterial zoonotic pathogens causing severe febrile illness in humans, including potential novel agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic diversity of Staphylococcus aureus, as well as the detection and genetic relationship of Coxiella burnetii in retail milk samples and plastic bags from 25 local dairy delicatessens. Bacteriological culture, PCR, and Sanger sequencing were performed. Eleven percent of the samples were positive for S. aureus, none of which were methicillin‐resistant or enterotoxigenic. The rep‐PCR analysis revealed a high similarity between strains isolated from milk and bag samples from the same source. Moreover, 14% of the milk samples were positive for C. burnetii, which matched 100% of the reference strains in the GenBank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to apply and preliminarily evaluate a High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis technique coupled with qPCR, that allows the simultaneous detection of 10 different ruminant abortogenic pathogens, for investigating abortions in sheep and goats throughout Greece. A total of 264 ovine and caprine vaginal swabs were obtained the week following the abortion from aborted females and analyzed using a commercially available kit (ID Gene™ Ruminant Abortion Multiplex HRM, Innovative Diagnostics). Results indicated a high prevalence of Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydophila spp., which were detected in 48.9% and 42.4% of the vaginal swabs, respectively. Results for these most commonly detected pathogens were compared with those of a well-established commercial qPCR kit, with near-perfect agreement. Toxoplasma gondii, Salmonella spp., Brucella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Campylobacter fetus, and Neospora caninum were also identified, the two latter reported for the first time in the country in small ruminants. Mixed infections occurred in 35.6% of the animals examined. This technique allows for the simultaneous detection of many abortogenic pathogens in an accurate and cost-effective assay. Detection of uncommon or not previously reported pathogens in various cases indicates that their role in ovine and caprine abortions may be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tick-borne pathogens, such as Borreliella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp., are frequently detected in Germany. They circulate between animals and tick vectors and can cause mild to severe diseases in humans. Knowledge about distribution and prevalence of these pathogens over time is important for risk assessment of human and animal health. Methods: Ixodes ricinus nymphs were collected at different locations in 2009/2010 and 2019 in Germany and analyzed for tick-borne pathogens by real-time PCR and sequencing. Results: Borreliella spp. were detected with a prevalence of 11.96% in 2009/2010 and 13.10% in 2019 with B. afzelii and B. garinii as dominant species. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in seven ticks and in coinfection with B. afzelii or B. garinii. Rickettsia spp. showed a prevalence of 8.82% in 2009/2010 and 1.68% in 2019 with the exclusive detection of R. helvetica. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 1.00% in 2009/2010 and 7.01% in 2019. A. phagocytophilum was detected in seven tick samples. None of the nymphs were positive for C. burnetii. Discussion: Here, observed changes in prevalence were not significant after a decade but require longitudinal observations including parameters like host species and density, climatic factors to improve our understanding of tickborne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of Q fever, a worldwide zoonosis. Cattle, sheep and goats are considered the main reservoirs of the disease. Transmission to humans occurs mainly through the inhalation of infectious aerosols from milk, faeces, urine, and birth products from infected ruminants. In this study, a 2-year longitudinal approach was performed to ascertain the excretion of C. burnetii in bulk tank milk samples of sheep from a mountain plateau in central Portugal, with sampling conducted during the years 2015 and 2016. From a total of 156 bulk tank milk samples tested by qPCR, only one showed to be positive for C. burnetii (1.28% [95%CI: 0.03–6.94]), from 2015, the first year of collection. Bidirectional sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of IS1111 transposase partial region confirmed the presence of C. burnetii DNA. The presence of C. burnetii in raw milk samples highlights the necessity for additional research to determine if raw milk is a potential source for human infection. Animal health surveillance and prevention measures against this zoonotic disease should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxiella burnetii is causing infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. Information on the occurrence of C. burnetii infection is scarce in Ethiopia. This study estimated the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in four common livestock species from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia. Results/principal findings: Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Out of the 4140 serum samples tested, 777 (18.77%; 95% CI: 17.59, 19.99) were found positive for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate was 27.17% at Addis Ababa abattoir, 19.41% at Adama abattoir, 19.13% at Modjo abattoir and 12.1% in animals tested from pastoral areas. Sera analysis at the animal species level showed that cattle exhibited the lowest sero-prevalence estimate (11.83%; 95% CI, 10.27–13.53%), while the highest was observed in camels (28.39%; 95% CI, 25.16–31.80%). The sero-prevalence estimate was 21.34% (95% CI, 18.86–23.99%) in goats and 20.17% (95% CI, 17.49–23.07%) in sheep. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that species, age, sex of animals and tick infestation were important risk factors for C. burnetii infection. The odds of infection were 3.22 times higher in camels and almost twice as high in goats and sheep compared to cattle. Adult animals were infected more likely (OR = 3.23) than young ones. Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the sero-prevalence of infection between animals that were infested with ticks (OR = 16.32) and those which were tick-free. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the sero-epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in four common livestock species at major abattoirs and pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the need for further studies and implementing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease in both humans and livestock to safeguard the economical and public health aspects. Author summary: Coxiella burnetii causes infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. This bacterium poses significant public health, veterinary, and economic risks worldwide due to its potential to cause severe illness and low infectious dose. Therefore, it is important to estimate the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, respectively. The serum samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) kit. A prevalence estimate of 18.77% was observed for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate at abbatoirs and pastoral areas was found in the order of Addis Ababa (27.17%)>Adama (19.41%)>Modjo (19.13)>pastoral areas (12.1%). The risk factors were identified as animal species, age, sex, and tick infestation. Camels were more vulnerable than sheep, goats and cattle. The adults were infected more than young. The ticks may be a potential vector for the transmission of the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rodents are recognized as major reservoirs of numerous zoonotic pathogens and are involved in the transmission and maintenance of infectious diseases. Furthermore, despite their importance, diseases transmitted by rodents have been neglected. To date, there have been limited epidemiological studies on rodents, and information regarding their involvement in infectious diseases in the Republic of Korea (ROK) is still scarce. Methodology/Principal findings: We investigated rodent-borne pathogens using nested PCR/RT-PCR from 156 rodents including 151 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Rattus norvegicus from 27 regions in eight provinces across the ROK between March 2019 and November 2020. Spleen, kidney, and blood samples were used to detect Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira interrogans, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Of the 156 rodents, 73 (46.8%) were infected with Bartonella spp., 25 (16.0%) with C. burnetii, 24 (15.4%) with L. interrogans, 21 (13.5%) with A. phagocytophilum, 9 (5.8%) with SFTSV, and 5 (3.2%) with Borrelia afzelii. Co-infections with two and three pathogens were detected in 33 (21.1%) and 11 rodents (7.1%), respectively. A. phagocytophilum was detected in all regions, showing a widespread occurrence in the ROK. The infection rates of Bartonella spp. were 83.3% for B. grahamii and 16.7% for B. taylorii. Conclusions/Significance: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii and SFTSV infections in rodents in the ROK. This study also provides the first description of various rodent-borne pathogens through an extensive epidemiological survey in the ROK. These results suggest that rodents harbor various pathogens that pose a potential threat to public health in the ROK. Our findings provide useful information on the occurrence and distribution of zoonotic pathogens disseminated among rodents and emphasize the urgent need for rapid diagnosis, prevention, and control strategies for these zoonotic diseases. Author summary: Rodents live almost everywhere in the world, adapt to extremely diverse habitats, and transmit various infectious diseases to humans and other animals. All six pathogens were detected in rodents. Our findings demonstrated that 66.7% (104/156) of rodents were infected with at least one pathogen. We also observed differences in the pathogens detected in rodents by province. These results provide evidence that rodents play an important role in the transmission of SFTSV. Although we did not screen for all rodent-borne diseases, these data provide information about emerging rodent-borne diseases disseminated in the ROK and emphasize the risk of occurrence of rodent-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods and Results Conclusions Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious organism that is easily spread through aerosols causing Q fever in humans. Ticks can harbour and transmit C. burnetii to animals, contributing to disease maintenance. Our aim was to examine the presence of C. burnetii in ticks in Uganda.In this study, ticks were collected from five Ugandan districts and tested by real‐time PCR for C. burnetii (Coxiella outer membrane protein 1 gene). A total of 859 tick pools (9602 individual ticks) were tested, and pool positivity for C. burnetii was 5.5% (n = 47). Pooled prevalence differed by district; the highest was Luwero (7.3%), then Gulu (6.6%), and Kasese had the lowest (1.3%). However, district variation was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact = 0.07). Ticks collected from dogs and cats had the highest positivity rates [23/47, (48.9%)] followed by livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs) [18/47, (38.3%)] and vegetation [6/47, (12.8%)]. Haemaphysalis elliptica had the highest infection rates, followed by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus had similar prevalence.Although ticks are not the primary transmitters of C. burnetii to humans, pathogen detection in ticks can be an indirect indicator of risk among animal hosts. Vulnerable populations, including occupations with close animal contact such as farming, butchery, and veterinary practice, have an increased risk of C. burnetii exposure. Veterinarians and clinicians should be aware that C. burnetii may cause human and animal illness in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)-infected livestock and wildlife have been epidemiologically linked to human Q fever outbreaks. Despite this growing zoonotic threat, knowledge of coxiellosis in wild animals remains limited, and studies to understand their epidemiologic role are needed. In C. burnetiiendemic areas, ticks have been reported to harbor and spread C. burnetii and may serve as indicators of risk of infection in wild animal habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare molecular techniques for detecting C. burnetii DNA in ticks. Methods: In total, 169 ticks from wild animals and cattle in wildlife conservancies in northern Kenya were screened for C. burnetii DNA using a conventional PCR (cPCR) and two field-friendly techniques: Biomeme's C. burnetii qPCR Gostrips (Biomeme) and a new C. burnetii PCR high-resolution melt (PCR-HRM) analysis assay. Results were evaluated, in the absence of a gold standard test, using Bayesian latent class analysis (BLCA) to characterize the proportion of C. burnetii positive ticks and estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the three tests. Results: The final BLCA model included main effects and estimated that PCRHRM had the highest Se (86%; 95% credible interval: 56-99%), followed by the Biomeme (Se = 57%; 95% credible interval: 34-90%), with the estimated Se of the cPCR being the lowest (24%, 95% credible interval: 10-47%). Specificity estimates for all three assays ranged from 94 to 98%. Based on the model, an estimated 16% of ticks had C. burnetii DNA present. Discussion: These results reflect the endemicity of C. burnetii in northern Kenya and show the promise of the PCR-HRM assay for C. burnetii surveillance in ticks. Further studies using ticks and wild animal samples will enhance understanding of the epidemiological role of ticks in Q fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macropods are often implicated as the main native Australian reservoir hosts of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever); however, the maintenance and transmission capacity of these species are poorly understood. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the epidemiology of C. burnetii in a high-density population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in a peri-urban coastal nature reserve in New South Wales, Australia. Blood, faeces and swabs were collected from forty kangaroos as part of a population health assessment. Frozen and formalin-fixed tissues were also collected from 12 kangaroos euthanised on welfare grounds. Specimens were tested for C. burnetii using PCR, serology, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. A total of 33/40 kangaroos were seropositive by immunofluorescence assay (estimated true seroprevalence 84%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 69% to 93%), with evidence of rising titres in two animals that had been tested four years earlier. The PCR prevalence was 65% (95% CI 48% to 79%), with positive detection in most sample types. There was no evidence of pathology consistent with C. burnetii, and immunohistochemistry of PCR-positive tissues was negative. These findings indicate that kangaroos are competent maintenance hosts of C. burnetii, likely forming a significant part of its animal reservoir at the study site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]