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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]

Q fever/coxiellosis poses a significant threat to both human and animal health, with goats serving as important reservoirs for disease transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coxiellosis and identify associated risk factors within meat goat herds in northeastern Thailand. A total of 39 meat goat herds were examined, with 84.61% of these herds experiencing reproductive disorders suggestive of Coxiella burnetii infection. Serum samples (n = 513) and vaginal swabs (n = 334) were collected from 522 goats for serological and molecular analyses, respectively. Results unveiled an overall herd prevalence of 74.35% (29/39), with a within-herd prevalence of 15.49% (95% CI: 10.86–20.12). Univariate analysis indicated that knowledge about the transmission of coxiellosis in herd owners serves as a protective factor against C. burnetii infection at the herd level (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01–0.92; p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis identified two significant risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection at the herd level, including herd establishment exceeding 5 years (OR: 7.14; 95% CI: 1.05–48.4; p = 0.04), as well as reproductive failures including abortion, infertility, and weak offspring (OR: 17.65; 95% CI: 1.76–177.45; p = 0.01). Individual-level risk factors included female gender (OR: 8.42; 95% CI: 1.14–62.42; p = 0.03), crossbreeding (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.32–4.82; p = 0.005), and clinical signs of anaemia (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01–2.64; p = 0.04). These findings underscore the widespread prevalence of Q fever in meat goat herds within the study area and emphasize the necessity of implementing targeted control strategies.

Relevance. Altai Krai (AK) is one of the least prosperous subjects of the Russian Federation in terms of the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI). Results of studying long-term and intra-annual dynamics of the incidence of ARI and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in various population groups of the AK in 2011–2021 led to a conclusion about possible connection between the characteristics of the epidemic process of ARI and environmental factors, primarily air pollution, as well as the widespread distribution of natural and atropurgic foci of tick-borne transmissible and zoonotic infections in the territory of the AK, along with the problems of diagnostics. Aim. Assessment of the possible influence of environmental factors on the formation of a high level of registered incidence of ARI in the Altai Territory, as well as diagnostics of some natural focal and zoonotic infections with fever and respiratory symptoms. Materials and methods. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted based on annual and monthly official statistical reporting during 2011–2021 about the morbidity of the population, demographic and environmental features of the territory of the AK for each of the municipalities (MU), the average long-term incidence rates of ARI, VBP, tuberculosis, Siberian tick typhus (STT), ixodid tick-borne borreliosis, tick-borne viral encephalitis were calculated; appeals of the population regarding tick bites; population density and annual average sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the strength of the relationship between the analyzed indicators; and seasonality coefficients and the method of trend-seasonal decomposition were used to assess the intra-annual dynamics of the incidence of ARI and CAP (for the period 2011-2019). To study seroprevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii, R. sibirica and SARS-CoV-2 in febrile patients with symptoms of ARI blood samples were collected in October 2022 from ten rural districts of the AK. Results and discussion. It was established that there was a significant direct correlation between the incidence of ARI and the amount of SO2 emissions into the atmosphere (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), as well as between the incidence of ARI and population density (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). The largest share (69%) of the total number of ARI cases in the Altai Territory in 2011–2021 was attributed to the cities of Barnaul, Biysk, Rubtsovsk, Zarinsk and Novoaltaisk, which are characterized by maximum SO2 emissions and population density. An additional contribution (8% total) to the incidence of ARI in the Altai Territory was attributed to 7 rural areas with the highest levels of SO2 emissions. Regardless of the ranking for the incidence of ARI and CAP, in 9 out of 10 areas selected for the study, patients had both anamnestic and diagnostic titers of antibodies to C. burnetii and/or R. sibirica. At the same time, coxiellosis cases in these areas were not registered for 12 years, and the number of cases of STT was much less than the probable number based on the proportion of patients which were seropositive to R. sibirica and had symptoms of ARI. IgM to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 5 out of 203 examined samples, IgG – in 188 out of 203 examined samples, moreover 13.8% of samples had 118 to 499 BAU/ml, 40.9% of samples had 500 to 5000 BAU/ml, and the rest of samples had more than 5000 BAU/ml. Conclusion. Among all the variables analyzed in the study, the greatest role in the formation of the high level of registered incidence of ARI in the AK for many years belong to the high level of air pollution with SO2 emissions, high population density and, especially, their combination. Underdiagnosis of tick-borne rickettsioses and coxiellosis is of particular importance due to the unavailability of test kits for laboratory verification. Starting from 2020, a new coronavirus infection made some contribution to the registered incidence of ARI.

Objective: to characterize the dynamics and intensity of the incidence of Q fever for the period from 2015 to 2022, to determine the risk areas for human infection in the Southern and North Caucasian Federal districts and in the new subjects of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods: for epidemiological analysis, materials from analytical reviews "The epidemiological situation of natural focal infectious diseases in the Southern and North Caucasus Federal Districts" and state reports "On the state of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population" for 2015-2022, reporting data from the Rospotrebnadzor Department for the Rostov region, «Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Russia Rostov region» and the Departments of Rospotrebnadzor for the DPR and LPR. From 2022–2023 PCR study was conducted for the presence of Coxiella burnetii DNA in samples of ixodic mites and small mammals in the Rostov region and in 2023 – in the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions.Results: the analysis of the territorial distribution of cases of Q fever in the Astrakhan region and Stavropol Territory revealed a cluster of the most disadvantaged areas. An analysis of the conditions of infection of patients with Ku fever in the Rostov region has established that the most likely transmission factors are environmental objects in private farms. The circulation of C. burnetii in natural biotopes of the Rostov region, DNR and LNR regions.Conclusions: the epidemic process of Ku fever is mainly local, limited in the context of municipal districts of Astrakhan and Rostov regions, Stavropol Territory. The sporadic incidence of Ku fever does not reflect its actual level. There is no convincing evidence indicating the leading role of farm animals as a primary link in the formation of the epizootic process of Q fever in anthropurgical foci.

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.

Coxiella burnetii is a bacterial pathogen capable of causing serious disease in humans and abortions in goats. Infected goats can shed C. burnetii through urine, feces, and parturient byproducts, which can lead to infections in humans when the bacteria are inhaled. Goats are important C. burnetii reservoirs as evidenced by goat-related outbreaks across the world. To better understand the current landscape of C. burnetii infection in the domestic goat population, 4,121 vaginal swabs from 388 operations across the United States were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii by IS1111 PCR as part of the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services' National Animal Health Monitoring System Goats 2019 Study. In total, 1.5% (61/4121) of swabs representing 10.3% (40/388) (weighted estimate of 7.8, 95% CI 4.4-13.5) of operations were positive for C. burnetii DNA. The quantity of C. burnetii on positive swabs was low with an average Ct of 37.9. Factors associated with greater odds of testing positive included suspected Q fever in the herd in the previous 3 years, the presence of wild deer or elk on the operation, and the utilization of hormones for estrus synchronization. Factors associated with reduced odds of testing positive include the presence of kittens and treatment of herds with high tannin concentrate plants, diatomaceous earth, and tetrahydropyrimidines. In vitro analysis demonstrated an inhibitory effect of the tetrahydropyrimidine, pyrantel pamoate, on the growth of C. burnetii in axenic media as low as 1 pg per mL. The final multivariable logistic regression modeling identified the presence of wild predators on the operation or adjacent property (OR = 9.0, 95% CI 1.3-61.6, p value = 0.0248) as a risk factor for C. burnetii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium responsible for causing Q fever, an emerging public health problem of global concern and the cause of severe economic losses in livestock farming. Many species can be asymptomatic carriers and shed this bacterium in various secretions and excreta. Humans can acquire the infection mainly through environmental contamination due to bacterial shedding of infected animals, and through tick-borne or foodborne transmissions. If this agent is aerosolized, it is considered a potential biological weapon. Advanced molecular and serological diagnostic techniques for Q fever over the last decade have made it possible to detect clinical cases and carry out population screening effectively. There needs to be more research on C. burnetii control in wildlife despite the increasing evidence that wildlife is a source of C. burnetii for both domestic animals and humans. Birds can transmit this pathogen directly or indirectly to other animals or humans, but data about the spreading of C. burnetii in avian populations still need to be available. The present work aimed to revise the literature about the involvement of wild birds in the epidemiology of Q fever in Europe. Reports of this pathogenic agent in wild birds in European countries since 2007 were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiellosis, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetti and has become a significant cause of small ruminant abortion globally. Q fever is endemic in Iran, but there is a dearth of epidemiological data regarding the true prevalence of C. burnetii in some areas of Iran. Small ruminants, mainly goats and sheep, are considered the primary reservoir for human infection, posing a considerable threat to human health. Theses reservoirs can shed the bacterium into vaginal mucus.The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of coxiellosis through the detection of the IS1111 gene of C. burnetii using Real-time PCR and also to identify the related risk factors (such as the location of livestock, age, species, and parity) associated with the disease in the vaginal discharge of small ruminants residing in Kerman province, located in the southeast of Iran. During the winter of 2019 and autumn of 2020, a total of 134 vaginal samples from aborted small ruminants (70 samples from sheep and 64 from goats) were gathered from 32 herds located in different areas of Kerman province. The results showed that 26 samples, comprising 14 from goats (21.88 %) and 12 from sheep (17.14 %), were positive for coxiellosis. According to the findings of our study, the detection of C. burnetii showed that coxiellosis is circulating in the studied area. Additionally, our analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Q fever and small ruminants'' location, number of parturition, and age that were examined as potential risk factors.

Coxiellosis, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetti and has become a significant cause of small ruminant abortion globally. Q fever is endemic in Iran, but there is a dearth of epidemiological data regarding the true prevalence of C. burnetii in some areas of Iran. Small ruminants, mainly goats and sheep, are considered the primary reservoir for human infection, posing a considerable threat to human health. Theses reservoirs can shed the bacterium into vaginal mucus.The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of coxiellosis through the detection of the IS1111 gene of C. burnetii using Real-time PCR and also to identify the related risk factors (such as the location of livestock, age, species, and parity) associated with the disease in the vaginal discharge of small ruminants residing in Kerman province, located in the southeast of Iran. During the winter of 2019 and autumn of 2020, a total of 134 vaginal samples from aborted small ruminants (70 samples from sheep and 64 from goats) were gathered from 32 herds located in different areas of Kerman province. The results showed that 26 samples, comprising 14 from goats (21.88 %) and 12 from sheep (17.14 %), were positive for coxiellosis. According to the findings of our study, the detection of C. burnetii showed that coxiellosis is circulating in the studied area. Additionally, our analysis revealed no statistically significant association between the prevalence of Q fever and small ruminants' location, number of parturition, and age that were examined as potential risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii is a bacterial pathogen capable of causing serious disease in humans and abortions in goats. Infected goats can shed C. burnetii through urine, feces, and parturient byproducts, which can lead to infections in humans when the bacteria are inhaled. Goats are important C. burnetii reservoirs as evidenced by goat-related outbreaks across the world. To better understand the current landscape of C. burnetii infection in the domestic goat population, 4,121 vaginal swabs from 388 operations across the United States were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii by IS1111 PCR as part of the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services’ National Animal Health Monitoring System Goats 2019 Study. In total, 1.5% (61/4121) of swabs representing 10.3% (40/388) (weighted estimate of 7.8, 95% CI 4.4–13.5) of operations were positive for C. burnetii DNA. The quantity of C. burnetii on positive swabs was low with an average Ct of 37.9. Factors associated with greater odds of testing positive included suspected Q fever in the herd in the previous 3 years, the presence of wild deer or elk on the operation, and the utilization of hormones for estrus synchronization. Factors associated with reduced odds of testing positive include the presence of kittens and treatment of herds with high tannin concentrate plants, diatomaceous earth, and tetrahydropyrimidines. In vitro analysis demonstrated an inhibitory effect of the tetrahydropyrimidine, pyrantel pamoate, on the growth of C. burnetii in axenic media as low as 1 μg per mL. The final multivariable logistic regression modeling identified the presence of wild predators on the operation or adjacent property (OR = 9.0, 95% CI 1.3–61.6, p value = 0.0248) as a risk factor for C. burnetii infection.

Aim of the work: to demonstrate the difficulty of verifying the diagnosis of Q fever with negative results of PCR (DNA of Coxiella burnetii) in the blood and to assess the occurrence of serological markers among patients selected for this study based on a combination of clinical and epidemiological data. Materials and methods: plasma/serum samples of 111 patients according to clinical and epidemiological data studied due ELISA and PCR for specific antibodies to Coxiella burnetii and DNA of pathogen. Additionally, in the presence IgG to C. burnetii phase II, IgG / IgA to phase I and the avidity of specific IgG were studied. Results: the specific antibodies to C. burnetii antigens at negative results of PCR detected in 10 cases. The article provides the description of three clinical cases for demonstration of difficulties of coxiellosis diagnosis with analysis of serological profiles, titers and avidity of antibodies. Conclusion: the results of the study indicate that negative results of PCR testing do not exclude C. burnetii infection. For patients who, according to clinical and epidemiological data, Q fever is not excluded, it is advisable to prescribe a complex of laboratory tests to verify the diagnosis, which includes not only studies of the pathogen’s DNA, but also specific antibodies. To clarify the stage of the disease and reduce the risk of developing complications of coxiellosis, it is necessary to monitor the dynamics of antibody titers to C. burnetii in phase I and II phase states differentially.

Cattle are broadly deemed a source of Coxiella burnetii; however, evidence reinforcing their role in human infection is scarce. Most published human Q fever outbreaks relate to exposure to small ruminants, notably goats. Anti-phase II C. burnetii IgG and IgM were measured by indirect fluorescent antibody tests in 27 farm and veterinary diagnostic laboratory workers to ascertain whether occupational exposure to cattle aborting due to C. burnetii was the probable source of exposure. Four serological profiles were identified on the basis of anti-phase II IgG and IgM titres. Profile 1, characterised by high IgM levels and concurrent, lower IgG titres (3/27; 11.1%); Profile 2, with both isotypes with IgG titres higher than IgM (2/27; 7.4%); Profile 3 with only IgG phase II (5/27; 18.5%); and Profile 4, in which neither IgM nor IgG were detected (17/27; 63.0%). Profiles 1 and 2 are suggestive of recent C. burnetii exposure, most likely 2.5-4.5 months before testing and, hence, during the window of exposure to the bovine abortions. Profile 3 suggested C. burnetii exposure that most likely predated the window of exposure to aborting cattle, while Profile 4 represented seronegative individuals and, hence, likely uninfected. This study formally linked human Q fever to exposure to C. burnetii infected cattle as a specific occupational hazard for farm and laboratory workers handling bovine aborted material.

• Although Coxevac® is applied to sheep to prevent Coxiellosis the dose is unclear. • Little side effects occurred after vaccination with 1 and 2 ml Coxevac® in sheep. • Immunized sheep reacted first with an IgM and IgG Phase II response. • A vaccine volume of 1 ml seems sufficient to induce an immune response. • A third vaccination is necessary to stimulate the cellular immunity in naïve sheep. An inactivated Coxiella burnetii Phase I (PhI) vaccine (Coxevac®) is licensed in several European countries for goats and cattle to prevent coxiellosis. The vaccine is also applied to sheep, although detailed information about the ovine immune response and vaccine dose is missing. Eighteen gimmers from a C. burnetii unsuspected flock were randomly divided into three groups of six. Group 1 (Cox1) and 2 (Cox2) were vaccinated twice with 1 ml and 2 ml Coxevac®, respectively, three weeks apart (primary vaccination). The same procedure was applied with Cox3 (2 ml sodium chloride, control group). A third injection (booster) was performed after nine months. Potential side effects were determined by measuring the rectal body temperature and skin thickness at the injection site. Blood samples were collected to detect phase-specific IgM and IgG antibodies and interferon-ɣ (IFN-ɣ) release by immunofluorescence assay and ELISAs, respectively. Moreover, a cell infection neutralization assay determined the appearance of neutralizing sera. Body temperatures increased for one day post vaccination, and the skin swelled only slightly. Regardless of the vaccine volume, immunized sheep reacted first with an IgM and IgG PhII response. Ten weeks after the primary vaccination, IgG PhI antibodies predominated. Boosting eight months after primary vaccination resulted in a robust IgG PhI increase and strong IFN-ɣ response. In the vaccinated animals, the neutralizing effect is more widespread after the administration of 1 ml than after the treatment with 2 ml. In summary, differences between 1 and 2 ml Coxevac® are minor, and a vaccine volume of 1 ml seems to be sufficient. A booster after the primary vaccination is apparently necessary to stimulate the cell-mediated immune response in naïve sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. are pathogenic bacteria that can cause large-scale outbreaks in livestock. Furthermore, these infectious agents are capable of causing zoonotic infections and therefore pose a risk to the close relationship between farm households and their livestock, especially goats. A review of seroprevalence studies of Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. in domestic goats demonstrated large differences in the total number of samples tested in different regions and countries. This review aims to provide information on coxiellosis (Q fever in humans) and brucellosis in goats concerning the characteristics of the causative agent, surveillance, and available prevention and control measures at a global level. Implications for Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. infections in domesticated goats in Southeast Asia are discussed.

A cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by Coxiella burnetii occurred in a dairy herd in Uruguay during a 2-mo period. Case 1 consisted of a placenta from an aborted cow; cases 2-4 were fetuses and their placentas. Grossly, the placenta from one aborted cow had moderate, diffuse reddening of the cotyledons and loss of translucency of the intercotyledonary areas. No gross lesions were observed in the other 3 placentas. Microscopically, 2 of 4 placentas had fibrinonecrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic gram-negative coccobacilli. C. burnetii was identified intralesionally by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all 4 placentas, and by PCR and DNA sequencing in 3 placentas analyzed by these techniques. One fetus had mild neutrophilic alveolitis with multinucleate syncytial cells; no gross or microscopic lesions were observed in the other 2 fetuses examined. The lungs of the 3 fetuses were negative for C. burnetii by IHC. Tests performed to investigate other possible causes of abortions in the 4 cases were negative. C. burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Clusters of abortions in cattle by C. burnetii have not been reported previously, to our knowledge; this bacterium has been considered an opportunistic pathogen associated only with sporadic abortion in cattle. We present herein a cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by C. burnetii in a dairy farm during a period of 2 mo and a review of the literature on C. burnetii infection in cattle.

Simple Summary: Infectious zoonotic diseases that cause infertility and abortion, such as Q fever, negatively impact the growing dairy sector in low- and middle-income countries and represent a risk of spillover of disease into human populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted in smallholder dairy cattle in six regions of Tanzania, between July 2019 and October 2020, to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) exposure. A total of 2049 dairy cattle blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies to C. burnetii. The overall seroprevalence was 3.9%. The final logistic mixed effects regression model showed extensive feeding management and low precipitation as factors associated with Q fever seropositivity. The findings indicate that C. burnetii is circulating at relatively low levels among smallholder dairy cattle across the major dairy producing regions in Tanzania. Control efforts could focus on extensive management systems from areas with relatively low precipitation or during the dry season to further reduce the risk of C. burnetii exposure. Moreover, concerted efforts to carry out active surveillance employing a "One Health" approach to understand the epidemiology and its impact in animal production and human health are recommended. Q fever is a zoonotic disease, resulting from infection with Coxiella burnetii. Infection in cattle can cause abortion and infertility, however, there is little epidemiological information regarding the disease in dairy cattle in Tanzania. Between July 2019 and October 2020, a serosurvey was conducted in six high dairy producing regions of Tanzania. Cattle sera were tested for antibodies to C. burnetii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A mixed effect logistic regression model identified risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. A total of 79 out of 2049 dairy cattle tested positive with an overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (95% CI 3.06–4.78) across the six regions with the highest seroprevalence in Tanga region (8.21%, 95% CI 6.0–10.89). Risk factors associated with seropositivity included: extensive feeding management (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.25–3.77), and low precipitation below 1000 mm (OR 2.76, 95% 1.37–7.21). The disease seroprevalence is relatively low in the high dairy cattle producing regions of Tanzania. Due to the zoonotic potential of the disease, future efforts should employ a "One Health" approach to understand the epidemiology, and for interdisciplinary control to reduce the impacts on animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A Coxiella burnetii vaccination program targeting only doelings in a positive herd was monitored for five years. • A robust IgG Phase I response occurred after two vaccine doses in most age groups. • Neutralizing antibodies were present regardless of IgG levels. • Double vaccination induced a lasting humoral immune response in goats. • Double vaccination of doelings did not entirely prevent C. burnetii shedding short term. A Coxiella burnetii vaccination program, targeting only doelings, was introduced on a German goat farm to curb bacterial shedding. In 2018, adults were vaccinated with a C. burnetii Phase I vaccine at three-weeks apart following pathogen diagnosis, with a booster administered six months later due to sustained high shedding. From 2018 to 2021, doelings received two vaccine doses without any further boosters. To assess the program's efficacy, vaginal swabs from up to 40 animals per age group were collected during kidding seasons from 2019 to 2022. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were gathered monthly from January 2018 to October 2022 to monitor herd-level shedding. Real-time PCR analysis determined genome equivalents in all three sample types. Serum samples were taken before the initial immunization and during the post-kidding season from up to 40 goats per age group annually from 2018 to 2022. Phase-specific ELISAs determined IgG Phase I and Phase II antibodies. Additionally, two serum samples per age group from 2022 were analyzed using a neutralization assay. A few goats continued shedding small quantities during subsequent kidding seasons. Although positive BTM samples decreased, they displayed an undulating trend. Most age groups exhibited robust IgG Phase I responses and lower IgG Phase II levels post immunization. Mean IgG levels remained elevated until the study ended compared to pre-vaccination levels in most age groups. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies were present regardless of IgG response. Overall, double vaccination induced lasting antibody levels, but did not entirely prevent C. burnetii shedding. The resilience of the observed humoral immune activity requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. Q fever in the absence of pathognomic signs is difficult to verify, so the incidence rate of coxiellosis depends on the level of its laboratory diagnosis.Aim. To analyze the incidence of Q fever in the Russian Federation for the time of its official registration (1957–2021) with an assessment of the level of laboratory diagnosis of diseases in different years. The high interest to Q fever in the middle of the last century gave impetus to the commercial production of inactivated Coxiella antigens and kits. The subsequent shortage of economically available diagnostic kits reflected in the official incidence of Q fever. Hypodiagnosis is caused not only by the clinical incidence of infection, but also often by the lack of the possibility of conducting a comprehensive clinical study of the material (detection of antibodies and DNA pathogen). The article presents historical facts for understanding of the rise and incidence of Q fever during the time of its official registration.Conclusions. An analysis of the epidemiological situation should carried taking into account the assessment of the level of diagnosis of Q fever in the regions and the country asa whole. It is necessary to record all newly diagnosed cases of the disease at any stage.

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Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium with an obligatory intracellular lifestyle and has a worldwide distribution. Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Since its discovery in 1935, it has been shown to infect a wide range of animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. Coxiella burnetii infection is of public and veterinary health and economic concern due to its potential for rapid spread and highly infectious nature. Livestock are the primary source of C. burnetii infection in most Q fever outbreaks which occurs mainly through inhalation of contaminated particles. Aside from livestock, many cases of Q fever linked to exposure to wildlife. Changes in the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions may lead to an increased potential risk of interspecies transmission and contribute to the emergence/re-emergence of Q fever. Although C. burnetii transmission is mainly airborne, ticks may act as vectors and play an important role in the natural cycle of transmission of coxiellosis among wild vertebrates and livestock. In this review, we aim to compile available information on vectors, domestic, and wild hosts of C. burnetii, and to highlight their potential role as bacterial reservoirs in the transmission of C. burnetii.

Q fever remains a neglected zoonosis in many developing countries including Pakistan. The causing agent Coxiella (C.) burnetii is resistant to environmental factors (such as drying, heat and many disinfectants), resulting in a long-lasting infection risk for both human and animals. As the infection is usually asymptomatic, it mostly remains undiagnosed in animals until and unless adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in a herd. In humans, the infection leads to severe endocarditis and vascular infection in chronic cases. Limited data are available on molecular epidemiology and evolution of this pathogen, especially in ruminants. Genomic studies will help speculating outbreak relationships in this scenario. Likewise, pathogenesis of C. burnetii needs to be explored by molecular studies. Awareness programs and ensuring pasteurization of the dairy milk before human consumption would help preventing Q fever zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its economic impact on livestock and its zoonotic effect, Q fever is a public and animal health problem. Information on this infection in Italy is presently supported by reports of reproductive problems in livestock farms and is, therefore, insufficient to properly understand the impact of the disease. This study aimed to describe for the first time the seroprevalence of Q fever in dairy cows and water buffalos in the Campania region (Southern Italy). A total of 424 dairy cattle and 214 water buffalo were tested using a commercial indirect ELISA kit. An overall seroprevalence of 11.7% confirmed the wide distribution of C. burnetii in this region. Several factors were positively associated with higher seroprevalence, such as species (higher in cattle than in water buffalo), age, and coexistence with other ruminant species. The final model of logistic regression included only age (older) and species (cattle), which were positively associated with the presence of Q fever antibodies. Our findings support the widespread presence of Coxiella burnettii in Campania and show a seroprevalence similar to that observed in previous studies in other Italian regions and European countries. Since human cases are typically linked to contact with infected ruminants, there is a need to improve surveillance for this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic Q fever in small ruminants remains an ongoing challenge for veterinary and human public health agencies. Though surveillance programs are implemented in Belgium, infection patterns and vaccination profiles, driving variables, as well as geographical clustering were not presented until now. Based on data from a decade of bulk tank milk analysis between 2009 and 2019, shedding in dairy goat herds declined from 16% (8/50) to 6% (10/162), whereas seroprevalence remained between 32% and 40%. Merely up to two shedding dairy sheep flocks were detected until 2019; seroprevalence peaked in 2017 (43%, 12/28) and declined thereafter. The number of animals in the holding influenced significantly (p =.048) the likelihood of shedding, whereas other established risk factors such as uncovered manure, high abortion rates and diversified farm structure could not be confirmed to significantly affect infection on Belgian herd level. Intermittent, incomplete and unsynchronized vaccinated herds shed Coxiella burnetii significantly more often and longer (p <.001) than continuously, complete and synchronized vaccinated herds. Spatial analyses revealed restricted but matching, homogenous clusters with ≤35 km diameter, concentrated in the coastal region close to the border to the Netherlands from 2009 to 2012, and broadened, heterogeneous clusters with ≥45 km diameter between 2014 and 2016 spreading south‐west. Though the majority of human cases was notified in this region, the animal clusters could not be allied with Q fever cases. The impact of environmental factors as well as the role of wildlife, rodents and ticks on the transmission between flocks and to humans remains to be elucidated to harness additional epidemiological drivers of Q fever in Belgium. In conclusion, attempts to reduce the burden of Q fever in Belgium should particularly focus on the timely, complete and synchronized vaccination of flocks, including the breeding sire, and particularity in high‐risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever remains a One Health problem, posing a zoonotic threat and causing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. The advancement of detection tools is critical to the effective control of infection. In humans, laboratory investigations depend largely on the immunofluorescence assay, considered the gold standard. In contrast, serologic tools routinely used for veterinary screening have several gaps, resulting in interpretations that are frequently misleading. We investigated the potential application of recombinant Ybgf antigen (r-Ybgf), a periplasmic protein described as one of the most immunodominant antigens in humans, in an indirect ELISA. Following successful expression in the prokaryotic system and the preliminary evaluation of immunoreactivity in western blot, we used r-Ybgf to develop an in-house ELISA using serum samples from sheep, goats, and cattle, which were tested in parallel with an Idexx ELISA kit. The results obtained with the 2 tests were compared, and r-Ybgf performed favorably, with 81.8% sensitivity and 90.1% specificity and substantial agreement, as revealed by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Moreover, we evaluated the serologic response against phase I (PhI) and phase II (PhII) antigens, and r-Ybgf antigen induced by vaccination, using phase-specific ELISAs. The dynamics of antibody response showed a significant increase in reactivity against PhI and PhII, but not against r-Ybgf, antigens. This property may be very useful given the absence of a protocol for the differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is endemic to Queensland and is one of the most important notifiable zoonotic diseases in Australia. The reservoir species for C. burnetii are classically ruminants, including sheep, cattle and goats. There is increasing evidence of C. burnetii exposure in dogs across eastern and central Australia. The present study aimed to determine if pig‐hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland had similar rates of C. burnetii exposure to previous serosurveys of companion dogs in rural north‐west New South Wales. A total of 104 pig‐hunting dogs had serum IgG antibody titres to phase I and phase 2 C. burnetii determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay test. Almost one in five dogs (18.3%; 19/104; 95% confidence interval 9.6%–35.5%) were seropositive to C. burnetii, with neutered dogs more likely to test positive compared to entire dogs (P = 0.0497). Seropositivity of the sampled pig‐hunting dogs was one of the highest recorded in Australia. Thirty‐nine owners of the pig‐hunting dogs completed a survey, revealing 12.8% (5/39) had been vaccinated against Q fever and 90% (35/39) were aware that both feral pigs and dogs could potentially be sources of C. burnetii. Our findings indicate that pig hunters should be aware of the risk of exposure to Q fever during hunts and the sentinel role their dogs may play in C. burnetii exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coxiella burnetii, a Gram‐negative bacterium is a zoonotic agent causing coxiellosis in animals. Small ruminants and cattle are the primary reservoirs for human infection. This study was aimed to estimate the sero‐prevalence of C. burnetii in the ruminants of the selected region in Nepal. Field visits were carried out at four sites in different geographical regions of Nepal. A total of 522 sera samples were collected from 118 sheep, 242 goats and 162 cattle with the history of abortion, anoestrus and infertility. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercially available ready‐to‐use ELISA test kit. The overall true sero‐prevalence was 1.89% (95% CI: 0.33–3.45), the prevalence ranged between 4.35% and 23.21% in goats. Sero‐prevalence in goat was higher than that of cattle and sheep which ascertained that total freedom from coxiellosis cannot be confirmed in Nepal. This could complement the impacts of other infectious causes of the infertility in the farm animals as well as the public health of the farming households.

The aim of this work was to describe the features of the epidemiology and clinic of rickettsioses at the Lower Volga region.Materials and methods. Scientific papers on searchable electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, eLIBRARY and ResearchGate) were selected and analyzed. Of the 256 found sources, the authors selected 87, taking into account the keywords, after an analysis of the selected literature, 30 sources were included in the present study in accordance with the topic of the work.Results. On the territory of the Lower Volga region, including the Astrakhan region, two rickettsioses are recorded: rickettsiosis from the tick-borne spotted fevers group — Astrakhan spotted fever (APL) and Q fever (coxiellosis). APL is a relatively new rickettsiosis common in the Caspian Sea basin, along the floodplain of the river Volga to Volgograd, capturing the steppes of Kalmykia. Q fever is recorded in many countries of the world, and in Russia, in terms of its importance and distribution, it occupies one of the first places among endemic diseases. The clinical characteristics of these rickettsioses are also presented.Conclusions. The study of the epidemiology and clinic of rickettsial infections remains relevant.

• First investigation of occurrence of coxiellosis in both large and small ruminants within the Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. • Identification and analysis of risk factors associated with Coxiellosis in farm animals. • Phylogenetic analysis conducted to examine the genetic diversity of the circulating bacteria. • Successful isolation of Coxiella Brunetti using egg inoculation and cell line methods. Coxiellosis in animals is caused by the zoonotic pathogen, Coxiella burnetii. Although the disease is of public health importance it remains underdiagnosed and underreported. The cross- sectional study was aimed to estimate the occurrence of the disease in livestock of study area and also to identify the risk factors associated with the disease in animals. Blood, serum, and vaginal swabs samples were collected from 200 ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats), across various farms in Karnataka, India. These samples were then screened using ELISA and PCR (com1 and IS1111). A questionnaire was administered to the farm owners to collect the risk factor-related information. About 5.26 % cattle, 12.3 % sheep, and 12.5 % goats were positive by ELISA. By PCR, 9.47 % cattle, 9.3 % sheep, and 10 % goats were positive. Overall, the occurrence of 14.73 %, 18.46 % and 17.5 % was estimated in cattle, sheep and goat, respectively. PCR targeting the IS1111 gene detected higher number of samples as positive as compared to the com1 gene PCR. Higher number of vaginal swab samples were detected as positive as compared to blood. History of reproductive disorders (OR: 4.30; 95 %CI:1.95- 9.46), abortion (OR: 30.94; 95 %CI:6.30- 151.84) and repeat breeding (OR:11.36; 95 %CI:4.16- 30.99) were significantly associated with coxiellosis (p < 0.005). Multivariable analysis by logistic regression model analysis suggested retained abortion, repeat breeding and rearing of animal in semi-intensive system as factors significantly associated with the infection. Cultural identification of the PCR positive samples were cultured using embryonated egg propagation and cell culture techniques and positivity was confirmed in six samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the com1 and IS1111 gene revealed clustering based on similar geographic locations. The study estimated the occurrence of the disease in the study area and identified the potential risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q-fever is widespread globally. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Q-fever infection in Latvia among dairy cattle in 2018–2020, in comparison with that in 2012–2015. The shedding of Coxiella burnetii DNA in milk was assessed. Screening of blood samples of abortion cases for the presence of antibodies against Q-fever and testing of aborted fetuses for C. burnetii DNA were also carried out. Additionally, serum samples from clinically healthy cattle, sheep and goat were included. Overall, 18.34% of milk samples were positive, representing 11.02% of all tested sheds. In total, 20.62% of serum samples from the cattle that suffered abortions were positive or suspicious, representing 12.63% of all sheds. Only 3.33% of serum samples from clinically healthy cattle and 3.42% from sheep and goat were positive. The highest proportion of serologically positive and suspicious samples was observed in cattle that suffered abortion with age from three to nine years, and in the first and third gestation period. One dominant genotype of C. burnetii (MST61) was detected. Ruminant import from abroad was identified as a significant risk factor, as well as the dairy cattle population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Q-fever is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the gram-negative, intracellular, spore-forming bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Infected ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) are the reservoirs of the pathogen and thus an important source of infection in humans. This systematic review aims to consolidate the knowledge and awareness of Q-fever in Africa and identify future research opportunities and possible interventions in low-resource settings. We review information on Q-fever epidemiology and the diagnostic challenges in humans and domestic ruminants in Africa from the last 23 years. Six databases including university repositories were searched for relevant articles. A total of 84 studies and 4 theses met the selection criteria and were thus included in the review. They include serological and molecular studies of Q-fever in humans or domestic ruminants in 24/54 African countries. The mean seroprevalence estimates were 16% (95%CI 11–23%) in humans; 14% (95%CI 10–20%) in cattle; 13% (95%CI 9–18%) in sheep; and 21% (95%CI 15–29%) in goats. The mean prevalence for molecular detection of the pathogen were 3% (95%CI 0–16%) in humans; 9% (95%CI 4–19%) in cattle; 16% (95%CI 5–41%) in sheep; and 23% (95%CI 20–80%) in goats. The number of studies that identified risk factors for exposure among domestic ruminants was: sex (n = 6), age (n = 17), contact with other animals (n = 5), lack of quarantine of newly purchased animals (n = 1), extensive grazing system (n = 4), herd size (2), history of abortion (n = 5), absence of vaccination (n = 2), and high temperature (n = 1). The number of studies that reported protective factors was: sanitation (n = 2), burying and/ or burning the aborted foetus (n = 2), and young (age) (n = 2). The studies that identified risk factors for human disease infection included: close contact to animals (n = 7), age (n = 3), and gender (n = 5), while those identifying protective factors included: living in non-irrigated areas (n = 1), awareness/knowledge about zoonosis (n = 1), rodent control (n = 1), sanitation/disinfection of equipment after and before use (n = 1), occasional grazing (n = 1), and do nothing to aborted materials (n = 1). Diagnostic challenges such as poverty, lack of a well-equipped laboratory with biosafety level 3 specific for Q-fever testing, unspecific and self-limiting clinical signs/symptoms, lack of gold standard test, and variation in test specificity and sensitivity were identified. The disease is likely to be widespread in Africa and of public importance and underreported thus ‘One Health’ approaches to future studies are recommended. Further studies should focus on concurrent studies of human and livestock populations. One Health Impact Statement This review applies to One Health stakeholders including, the public, players in the livestock value chain, animal/ human/ environmental health workers, policy makers, and other implementers. This review summarizes the available information regarding Q-fever (Coxiella burnetii) in animals and humans in Africa, providing new information on the magnitude of the disease, and risk factors for infection. This information highlights the need for collaboration among One Health stakeholders and multisectoral cooperation towards achieving the One Health goals. The sharing of knowledge generated through research from academic, non-academic, and local/ indigenous knowledge will allow a new foundation for disease control that is applicable and beneficial to all stakeholders under the One Health umbrella rather than academic scientists alone.

Q fever/coxiellosis poses a significant threat to both human and animal health, with goats serving as important reservoirs for disease transmission. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of coxiellosis and identify associated risk factors within meat goat herds in northeastern Thailand. A total of 39 meat goat herds were examined, with 84.61% of these herds experiencing reproductive disorders suggestive of Coxiella burnetii infection. Serum samples ( n  = 513) and vaginal swabs ( n  = 334) were collected from 522 goats for serological and molecular analyses, respectively. Results unveiled an overall herd prevalence of 74.35% (29/39), with a within-herd prevalence of 15.49% (95% CI: 10.86-20.12). Univariate analysis indicated that knowledge about the transmission of coxiellosis in herd owners serves as a protective factor against C. burnetii infection at the herd level (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.01-0.92; p  = 0.04). Multivariable analysis identified two significant risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection at the herd level, including herd establishment exceeding 5 years (OR: 7.14; 95% CI: 1.05-48.4; p  = 0.04), as well as reproductive failures including abortion, infertility, and weak offspring (OR: 17.65; 95% CI: 1.76-177.45; p  = 0.01). Individual-level risk factors included female gender (OR: 8.42; 95% CI: 1.14-62.42; p  = 0.03), crossbreeding (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.32-4.82; p  = 0.005), and clinical signs of anaemia (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01-2.64; p  = 0.04). These findings underscore the widespread prevalence of Q fever in meat goat herds within the study area and emphasize the necessity of implementing targeted control strategies., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Q fever is an important zoonotic disease worldwide. The main sources of human infection are inhalation of aerosols containing Coxiella burnetii bacteria and exposition to infected materials during parturition or slaughtering. The high-risk group includes people who work directly with infected livestock, such as farmers, veterinarians, veterinary medicine students, slaughterhouse and laboratory staff. Here we present a pilot study of risk-group human seroprevalence to C. burnetii in Latvia. The study included 240 sera samples — 190 from the risk groups and 50 from the control group. Samples were tested with Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) Phase 1 and 2 IgG ELISA kits. All sera from the control group were negative. The seroprevalence among risk group persons was 8.04–11.54%. No statistically significant differences were observed between genders. The highest percentage of seropositive and equivocal sera samples (25%) were detected in age categories 39–48 years and 49–58 years. Working as a practicing veterinarian or former veterinarian was the only risk factor identified as statistically significant, and belonging to the risk group in general. The geographical distribution of seropositive risk group participants indicated that they tend to located more in the northern, central, and eastern part of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever is a zoonotic disease, resulting from infection with Coxiella burnetii. Infection in cattle can cause abortion and infertility, however, there is little epidemiological information regarding the disease in dairy cattle in Tanzania. Between July 2019 and October 2020, a serosurvey was conducted in six high dairy producing regions of Tanzania. Cattle sera were tested for antibodies to C. burnetii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A mixed effect logistic regression model identified risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. A total of 79 out of 2049 dairy cattle tested positive with an overall seroprevalence of 3.9% (95% CI 3.06–4.78) across the six regions with the highest seroprevalence in Tanga region (8.21%, 95% CI 6.0–10.89). Risk factors associated with seropositivity included: extensive feeding management (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.25–3.77), and low precipitation below 1000 mm (OR 2.76, 95% 1.37–7.21). The disease seroprevalence is relatively low in the high dairy cattle producing regions of Tanzania. Due to the zoonotic potential of the disease, future efforts should employ a “One Health” approach to understand the epidemiology, and for interdisciplinary control to reduce the impacts on animal and human health.

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic bacterium that causes Q fever. Ruminants, including cattle, are broadly known to be reservoirs for this bacterium. Since 2006, many research groups have evaluated the herd-level prevalence of C. burnetii in cattle by molecular techniques on composite milk samples. This study explored the global C. burnetii herd-level prevalence from studies done on bovine bulk-tank milk (BTM) samples using PCR-based analysis. Also, moderators were investigated to identify sources of heterogeneity. Databases (CAB Abstracts, Medline via Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for index articles on C. burnetii prevalence in BTM samples by PCR published between January-1973 and November-2018. Numerous studies (1054) were initially identified, from which seventeen original publications were included in the meta-analysis based on the pre-defined selection criteria. These studies comprised 4031 BTM samples from twelve countries. A random-effects model was used because of considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 98%) to estimate the herd-level prevalence of C. burnetii as 37.0%(CI95%25.2–49.5%). The average herd size appeared to account for a high level of the heterogeneity. No other moderators (geographic location, gross national income or notification criteria for Q fever) seemed to be determinant. This systematic evaluation demonstrated a high molecular prevalence of C. burnetii in BTM samples both in European and non-European countries, evidencing a widespread herd-level circulation of this agent in bovine dairy farms around the world. Meta-regression showed herd size as the most relevant moderator with the odds of a BTM sample testing positive doubling with every unit increase.

Coxiella burnetii, a Gram‐negative bacterium is a zoonotic agent causing coxiellosis in animals. Small ruminants and cattle are the primary reservoirs for human infection. This study was aimed to estimate the sero‐prevalence of C. burnetii in the ruminants of the selected region in Nepal. Field visits were carried out at four sites in different geographical regions of Nepal. A total of 522 sera samples were collected from 118 sheep, 242 goats and 162 cattle with the history of abortion, anoestrus and infertility. Sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercially available ready‐to‐use ELISA test kit. The overall true sero‐prevalence was 1.89% (95% CI: 0.33–3.45), the prevalence ranged between 4.35% and 23.21% in goats. Sero‐prevalence in goat was higher than that of cattle and sheep which ascertained that total freedom from coxiellosis cannot be confirmed in Nepal. This could complement the impacts of other infectious causes of the infertility in the farm animals as well as the public health of the farming households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its economic impact on livestock and its zoonotic effect, Q fever is a public and animal health problem. Information on this infection in Italy is presently supported by reports of reproductive problems in livestock farms and is, therefore, insufficient to properly understand the impact of the disease. This study aimed to describe for the first time the seroprevalence of Q fever in dairy cows and water buffalos in the Campania region (Southern Italy). A total of 424 dairy cattle and 214 water buffalo were tested using a commercial indirect ELISA kit. An overall seroprevalence of 11.7% confirmed the wide distribution of C. burnetii in this region. Several factors were positively associated with higher seroprevalence, such as species (higher in cattle than in water buffalo), age, and coexistence with other ruminant species. The final model of logistic regression included only age (older) and species (cattle), which were positively associated with the presence of Q fever antibodies. Our findings support the widespread presence of Coxiella burnettii in Campania and show a seroprevalence similar to that observed in previous studies in other Italian regions and European countries. Since human cases are typically linked to contact with infected ruminants, there is a need to improve surveillance for this infection.

Q fever remains a neglected zoonosis in many developing countries including Pakistan. The causing agent Coxiella (C.) burnetii is resistant to environmental factors (such as drying, heat and many disinfectants), resulting in a long-lasting infection risk for both human and animals. As the infection is usually asymptomatic, it mostly remains undiagnosed in animals until and unless adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in a herd. In humans, the infection leads to severe endocarditis and vascular infection in chronic cases. Limited data are available on molecular epidemiology and evolution of this pathogen, especially in ruminants. Genomic studies will help speculating outbreak relationships in this scenario. Likewise, pathogenesis of C. burnetii needs to be explored by molecular studies. Awareness programs and ensuring pasteurization of the dairy milk before human consumption would help preventing Q fever zoonosis.

Disease case has been analyzed at 59 years old female patient, living in rural area. The disease progressed with long-time and high fever accompanied with liver damage including formation of abscesses. Anamnesis showed that raw milk was consumed. During 1.5 months, high steady fever, weakness, sweating and anorexia were observed, with further moderate pain in a right abdominal wing. The whole period of disease was noted with hepatomegaly, worsening leukocytosis, ESR 60 mm/hr, and moderate hyperenzymenia. SCT findings showed an inhomogene hypoechoic formation in a right hepatic lobe in segment’s projection 7, with sharp margins, dimension 3,0 2,2 cm, with 4 nearby liquor formations up to 1.2 cm in diameter. The percutaneous puncture biopsy, liquor formation aspiration and automatic trepanobiopsy of the tissue pattern of the formation under consideration. Cytological study revealed a non-specific inflammation with pus. Atypical cells not found. Histological findings: biopsy material from liver does contain a fibrous tissue with granulomatous inflammation. Complex detoxicating, metabolic and desensibilizing therapy was performed in combination with Ofloxacin, Meropenem (14 days), and Doxycycline (20 days). Diagnosed coxiellosis was confirmed with ELISA in titer 1:400/ ОD 0,587 – ОD/0,726. The patient is fully recovered.

Coxiellosis is known as a threat to human health. This study aimed to develop an epitope-based vaccine against coxiellosis using a whole proteome investigation. In this case, the whole proteome of Coxiella burnetii was collected from the database, then different assessments were performed to select immunogenic proteins. The selected proteins were used for epitopes prediction. The epitope-based vaccine was made using the best-selected epitopes and HBHA protein. The physical and chemical features, as well as secondary and tertiary structures of the developed vaccine were analyzed. The interaction between the developed vaccine and TLR4/MD2 receptor was examined using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. Finally, in silico cloning, codon optimization, and immune response simulation for the developed vaccine were performed. The findings supported a stable, hydrophilic, antigenic and non-allergenic vaccine with a molecular weight equal to 59.261 kDa and 542 amino acid residues in length. The findings showed that the developed vaccine not only could dock to TRL4/MD2 receptor with an affinity of -20.9 kcal/mol and 15 hydrogen bonds, but also the protein-protein complex was stable during molecular dynamic simulation with the binding free energy of -57.9 ± 6.9 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the optimized sequence of the developed vaccine with a CAI value of 0.97, could be cloned into the pET-21a (+) vector. Finally, The results confirmed that the developed vaccine could strongly trigger primary and secondary immune responses. Evidently, the developed vaccine can be an interesting candidate to apply.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Small ruminants are the main reservoirs for brucellosis and coxiellosis, two zoonotic diseases affecting livestock production, and posing a public health threat in India. Understanding disease prevalence and risk factors associated with small ruminant infection can help mitigate disease transmission. We report a cross-sectional survey in the states of Assam and Odisha in Eastern India. We interviewed 244 farmers to assess knowledge, attitude and practices relevant to brucellosis and coxiellosis infection. Serum samples from 411 goats and 21 sheep were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Rose-Bengal Brucella agglutination plate test. Higher Brucella and Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence were found in Odisha (22% and 11.5%, respectively) than Assam (9.8% and 1.6%, respectively), and certain districts in Odisha were at higher risk. No association was found between seropositive animals and clinical signs, a challenge when attempting to identify seropositive animals in the herd. None of the farmers interviewed were aware of brucellosis, its aetiology, clinical form, or zoonotic risk. This study acts as a first indication of the extent of these diseases among small ruminants in these Indian states, highlighting how farming practices are associated with increased risk of infection. More research is urgently needed to mitigate zoonoses transmission in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminants are the main reservoirs for brucellosis and coxiellosis, two zoonotic diseases affecting livestock production, and posing a public health threat in India. Understanding disease prevalence and risk factors associated with small ruminant infection can help mitigate disease transmission. We report a cross-sectional survey in the states of Assam and Odisha in Eastern India. We interviewed 244 farmers to assess knowledge, attitude and practices relevant to brucellosis and coxiellosis infection. Serum samples from 411 goats and 21 sheep were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Rose-Bengal Brucella agglutination plate test. Higher Brucella and Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence were found in Odisha (22% and 11.5%, respectively) than Assam (9.8% and 1.6%, respectively), and certain districts in Odisha were at higher risk. No association was found between seropositive animals and clinical signs, a challenge when attempting to identify seropositive animals in the herd. None of the farmers interviewed were aware of brucellosis, its aetiology, clinical form, or zoonotic risk. This study acts as a first indication of the extent of these diseases among small ruminants in these Indian states, highlighting how farming practices are associated with increased risk of infection. More research is urgently needed to mitigate zoonoses transmission in this region.

In Algeria, data on the epidemiology of coxiellosis in cattle are still lacking. In this study, bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 200 randomly selected dairy cattle herds from Setif province of Algeria were analyzed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results highlighted that 37% (95% CI: 30.31–43.69%) and 9% (95% CI: 5.03–12.96%) of BTM samples contained Coxiella burnetii antibodies and DNA, respectively. Based on Cohen’s kappa coefficient, a very low agreement between the ELISA and PCR results was found (k = 0.0849) (95% CI: 0.00–0.189). For a second experiment, 186 whole blood samples of cows from farms with reproduction disorders were analyzed by molecular tools to detect C. burnetii. This study revealed an overall prevalence of 6.98% (95% CI: 3.32–10.65%). All positive samples determined by conventional PCR were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Eleven samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values lower than 35 were selected for genotyping by the multispacer sequence typing (MST) method. The MST12 genotype in BTM samples, the MST32 genotype and a new MST genotype (partial profile) in whole blood samples were identified. Obtained results have allowed us to better understand the epidemiology of bovine coxiellosis in the region of Setif.

Abstract Background This was a panel study of the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in does in an endemic dairy goat enterprise in Victoria, Australia. Our first objective was to determine the prevalence of does shedding C. burnetii at the time of parturition and to quantify the concentration of genome equivalents (GE) present in each C. burnetii positive sample. Our second objective was to determine the proportion of positive does that were persistent shedders. Our final objective was to quantify the association between C. burnetii qPCR status at the time of kidding and daily milk volumes produced during the subsequent lactation. Results Vaginal swabs (n= 490) were collected from does at the time of kidding and analysed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Shedding of C. burnetii was detected in 15% (95% CI: 12% to 18%) of the sampled does. Does were classified as qPCR-negative, qPCR-positive low and qPCR-positive high based on the estimated concentration of GE from the qPCR. Persistent shedding at relatively low concentrations was detected in 20% (95% CI: 10% to35%) of shedding does sampled again at their subsequent parturition. After controlling for possible confounders and adjusting for variation in daily milk yields at the individual doe level, daily milk yields for qPCR-positive high does were reduced by 17% (95% CI: 3% to 32%) compared to qPCR-negative does (p= 0.02). Conclusions Shedding concentrations of C. burnetii were highly skewed, with a relatively small group of does shedding relatively high quantities of C. burnetii. Further, high shedding does had reduced milk yields compared to qPCR-negative does. Early detection and culling of high shedding does would result in increased farm profitability and reduce the risk of Q fever transmission.

Infection with a novel species of the genus Coxiella was first described in three Swainson's blue mountain rainbow lorikeets from a zoological collection, and days later in a group of seven other psittacine birds and a toucan. We provide an update on coxiellosis in nine additional psittacines, and two non-psittacines. Psittacines originated in New England, the mid Atlantic, the Midwest, the South, and the Northwest. Psittacines most commonly had lesions in the brain, spleen, liver, and lungs, consisting of meningoencephalitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and interstitial pneumonia. Lesions contained histiocytic infiltrate, with intracytoplasmic, Gimenez-positive coccobacilli. Transmission electron microscopy revealed bacteria with trilaminar cell walls, electron dense cores, and spore-like forms. PCR revealed homology to the organism in index cases. In addition, one black-browed barbet and one paradise tanager were found with systemic coxiellosis; sequencing identified the same pathogen. These are the second piciforme and the first passerine affected by this pathogen, indicating expanded infectivity and pathogenicity. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Report of coxiellosis in nine psittacines; lesions often in brain, spleen, liver, lung. Second piciforme with coxiellosis, a black-browed barbet. First case of avian coxiellosis described in a passerine, a paradise tanager. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cattle are broadly deemed a source of Coxiella burnetii; however, evidence reinforcing their role in human infection is scarce. Most published human Q fever outbreaks relate to exposure to small ruminants, notably goats. Anti-phase II C. burnetii IgG and IgM were measured by indirect fluorescent antibody tests in 27 farm and veterinary diagnostic laboratory workers to ascertain whether occupational exposure to cattle aborting due to C. burnetii was the probable source of exposure. Four serological profiles were identified on the basis of anti-phase II IgG and IgM titres. Profile 1, characterised by high IgM levels and concurrent, lower IgG titres (3/27; 11.1%); Profile 2, with both isotypes with IgG titres higher than IgM (2/27; 7.4%); Profile 3 with only IgG phase II (5/27; 18.5%); and Profile 4, in which neither IgM nor IgG were detected (17/27; 63.0%). Profiles 1 and 2 are suggestive of recent C. burnetii exposure, most likely 2.5–4.5 months before testing and, hence, during the window of exposure to the bovine abortions. Profile 3 suggested C. burnetii exposure that most likely predated the window of exposure to aborting cattle, while Profile 4 represented seronegative individuals and, hence, likely uninfected. This study formally linked human Q fever to exposure to C. burnetii infected cattle as a specific occupational hazard for farm and laboratory workers handling bovine aborted material.

Background and Aim: In the course of our Indian Council of Medical Research project on coxiellosis in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, 5.64% goat, 1.85% sheep, 1.06% buffaloes, and 0.97% cattle were positive for Coxiella burnetii antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit (IDEXX, Liebefeld, Switzerland). In this preliminary study, we have proceeded to look for C. burnetii DNA in those antibody positive specimens employing an imported commercial C. burnetii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected during slaughtering. All 15 blood samples of antibody positive ruminants and three antibody negative samples were subjected to conventional Trans-PCR assay with a commercial PCR kit (Genekam Biotechnology AG, Duisburg, Germany). An in-house Trans-PCR was included in the study for comparison. Results: A total of 15 antibody positive and three antibody-negative serum samples belonging to 11 goat, 4 sheep, 1 cattle, and 2 buffaloes were tested in duplicate for the presence of C. burnetii DNA by the commercial agar gel PCR kit and an in-house Trans-PCR. Only one buffalo serum sample was positive for C. burnetii with a band at 243 bp in in-house Trans-PCR. Discussion: Seropositivity for C. burnetii need not necessarily translate into infectivity status of the animal. Conversely, seronegative ruminants can shed C. burnetii. Rapid disintegration of C. burnetii DNA during the storage period is an important impediment in QF-PCR research. This is the first time the performance of this commercial PCR kit is being validated in India. Conclusion: Commercial PCR kit, Genekam did not identify any positive sample, probably because it targeted a larger amplicon of 687 bp.

Abstract Background The present investigation of Coxiella burnetii infection in cattle and farm workers on an organized cattle dairy farm, which appears to be the first of its kind in India, was undertaken to assess the status of this largely neglected and masked zoonosis. Methods A total of 665 samples comprising of serum (n = 224), milk (n = 217) and vaginal swabs (n = 224) collected from milch animals (n = 224) with a history of reproductive disorders were screened. Besides these, ticks (n = 114); animal feed (n = 4) and environmental samples (n = 13) as well as serum (n = 19) of farm workers were also collected. The animal sera and milk samples as well as human sera were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii by commercial ELISA kit, whereas, all the collected samples were subjected to trans-PCR targeting the IS1111 gene of C. burnetii. Results A high positivity for coxiellosis was detected in sera (29.91%) and milk (26.73%) samples of dairy cattle as well as sera from human contacts (84.21%) by ELISA. The trans-PCR detected the pathogen in 12.94% sera, 14.73% vaginal swabs and 5.53% milk samples of cattle, and in one soil sample, however, the sera of the farm workers and tick were tested negative. Conclusions The high positivity for coxiellosis among cattle and farm workers highlight the need to undertake extensive epidemiological studies to unravel the trends of C. burnetii infection in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]