scholarly journals Seroprevalence and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) population in Algeria

Author(s):  
Mohammed H. Benaissa ◽  
Samir Ansel ◽  
Abdallah Mohamed-Cherif ◽  
Karima Benfodil ◽  
Djamel Khelef ◽  
...  

Query (Q) fever is a globally distributed zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a bacterial agent for which ruminants are the most prevalent natural reservoir. Data regarding Q fever infection in camels in Algeria are limited. Therefore, a survey to detect seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies was conducted among healthy camel populations in a vast area in southeastern Algeria to determine distribution of the Q fever causative organism and to identify risk factors associated with infection. Between January and March 2016, blood samples were collected from 184 camels and serum samples were subsequently analysed using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. At the time of blood collection, a questionnaire investigating 13 potential predisposing factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity was completed for every dromedary camel and herd. Results were analysed by a chi-square (χ2) test and multivariate logistic regression. The seroprevalence of C. burnetii at the animal level was 71.2% (95% CI: 65.2–78.3) and 85.3% (95% CI: 72.8–97.8) at the herd level. At the animal level, differences in seroprevalence were observed because of herd size, animal age, animal sex, presence of ticks and contact with other herds. A multivariable logistic regression model identified three main risk factors associated with individual seropositivity: (1) age class > 11 years (OR = 8.81, 95% CI: 2.55–30.41), (2) herd size > 50 head (OR = 4.46, 95% CI: 1.01–19.59) and (3) infestation with ticks (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.5). This study of seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection in camels in Algeria revealed a high seroprevalence of Q fever in camel populations in southeastern Algeria and provided strong evidence that Q fever represents an economic, public health and veterinary concern. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the spread of C. burnetii and to reduce the risk of Q fever in farm animals and humans in this agro-ecologically and strategically important region of North Africa.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 602-608
Author(s):  
Samir Ansel ◽  
Karima Benfodil ◽  
Abdellah Mohamed Cherif ◽  
Amine Abdelli ◽  
Rachid Kaidi ◽  
...  

The Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (an obligate intracellular bacterium). This pathogen affects humans, ruminants, equines, carnivores, rodents, and birds. A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2017 to May 2018 to assess the seroprevalence and identify the risk factors of C. burnetii infection in horses (Equus Caballus) residing in three districts of Algerian, namely Tiaret, El-Bayadh, and Ghardaia. Serum samples collected from 182 horses were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Association of seropositivity with potential risk factors related to animals (e.g., age, gender, breed, housing, and presence of ticks), breeding characteristics (e.g., geographical localization, contact with animals), and environmental characteristics (i.e., presence of water source) was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. An overall seroprevalence of 9.9% (18/182) was obtained. The univariate analysis of risk factors for C. burnetii seroprevalence demonstrated higher seropositivity in horses that had contact with small ruminants (p=0.004) and dromedaries (p=0.002) as well as in those living near a water source (p=0.036) and in El-Bayadh district (p=0.005). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the risk of C. burnetii infection was significantly higher in horses that were in contact with small ruminants (RR: 15.6). Algeria is endemic for Q fever in horses and prophylactic measures must be taken to reduce /prevent its transmission to animals and humans.


Author(s):  
Shuaibu Gidado Adamu ◽  
Junaidu Kabir ◽  
Jarlath Udo Umoh ◽  
Mashood Abiola Raji

Abstract A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in sheep in the northern part of Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study aimed to determine Coxiella burnetii infection and its risk factors in sheep in Kaduna State. A total of 400 blood samples consisting of 259 samples from females and 141 from males were aseptically collected from the jugular vein of sheep from flocks in Kaduna State. The sera obtained were screened for Q fever using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). The obtained data were analysed to determine whether there is a relationship between sex, age, and the animals tested. The analysis revealed that 8.0% of the sera was seropositive by iELISA. There was no significant difference in Q fever seropositivity in the study area according to the sex of sheep (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in Q fever seropositivity according to the age of sheep. This study indicated a high seroprevalence of Q fever mainly among female animals and older sheep. Further studies are required to determine the epizootiology of Q fever in the study area more precisely.


Author(s):  
Pilar Foronda ◽  
Josué Plata-Luis ◽  
Borja Del Castillo-Figueruelo ◽  
Ángela Fernández-Álvarez ◽  
Aarón Martín-Alonso ◽  
...  

Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular parasites that cause important reproductive disorders in animals and humans worldwide, resulting in high economic losses. The aim of the present study was to analyse the possible role of peridomestic small mammals in the maintenance and transmission of C. burnetii and T. gondii in the north-western African archipelagos of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, where these species are commonly found affecting humans and farm animals. Between 2009 and 2013, 108 black rats (Rattus rattus) and 77 mice (Mus musculus) were analysed for the presence of Coxiella and Toxoplasma antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), respectively. Our results showed a wide distribution of C. burnetii and T. gondii, except for T. gondii in Cape Verde, in both rodent species. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies was 12.4%; 21.1% for Cape Verde and 10.2% for the Canary Islands. With respect to T. gondii, seropositive rodents were only observed in the Canary Islands, with an overall seroprevalence of 15%. Considering the fact that both pathogens can infect a large range of hosts, including livestock and humans, the results are of public health and veterinary importance and could be used by governmental entities to manage risk factors and to prevent future cases of Q fever and toxoplasmosis.


2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-305
Author(s):  
D.M. Aguiar ◽  
G.T. Cavalcante ◽  
M.B. Labruna ◽  
S.A. Vasconcellos ◽  
A.A.R. Rodrigues ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and the possible associated risk factors were estimated for 2,109 adult cows in Monte Negro county, State of Rondônia, Brazil. A questionnaire was completed for each farm where cattle were sampled. Laboratory tests were Rose-Bengal Agglutination, Standard Tube agglutination, and Mercaptoethanol. The adjusted overall prevalence of Brucella spp. seropositive cows for Monte Negro county was 15% and at least 54 herds (63%) were positive. A logistic regression analysis suggested that the herd size of more than 25 cows and the presence of pigs were significant factors associated with the seropositivity (herd size: OD = 2.8; P=0.02; presence of pigs: OD = 2.5; P =0.04). Other significant variables associated to the infection, analysed by Chi-Square were the presence of seropositivity cows with the herd that were repeat breeders and birth of weak calves (P < 0.05).


Author(s):  
Ji-Hyuk Park ◽  
Seon Hwang ◽  
Dilaram Acharya ◽  
Seung Lee ◽  
Kyu Hwang ◽  
...  

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease that is an occupational hazard to people who work in close contact with animals or their carcasses. A nationwide serologic study among cattle slaughterhouse workers who were presumed to be at risk of having C. burnetii infection in South Korea was performed to investigate the seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection and identify related risk factors. Out of 1017 cattle slaughterhouse workers in South Korea, 923 (90.8%) participated in this cross-sectional study. Samples were tested for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies against phase II C. burnetii via indirect immunofluorescence assay. The overall seroreactivity, defined as IgG or IgM antibody titer cutoffs ≥1:16, was 9.1% (84/923). Additionally, a significant association was found between the seroreactivity of C. burnetii infection and performing carcass evisceration work (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–4.03) in multivariate analysis. To diminish C. burnetii infection, cattle slaughterhouse workers need to take precautions during the evisceration process.


Author(s):  
A. Chakrabartty ◽  
N. Nahar ◽  
M. S. Rahman ◽  
A. K. M. A. Rahman ◽  
A. S. Sarker ◽  
...  

Background: Q-fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii with wide host range of mammals, birds and arthropods worldwide. The prevalence of C. burnetii infection has been reported in domestic ruminants in Bangladesh with no attention on the ‘One Health’ approach for the epidemiological investigation associated with risk factors for prevention of the disease. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection and associated risk factors in domestic ruminants and humans based on ‘One Health’ approach in Bangladesh Materials and Methods: This study on C. burnetii infection was conducted in cattle, goats and humans of the four randomly selected districts (Kurigram, Sirajgonj, Pabna and Mymensingh) in Bangladesh during the period from 2018 to 2021. A total of 162 and 172 serum samples respectively from cattle and goats with the reproductive disorders, 159 serum samples from human patients with pyrexia of unknown origin lasting over a period of three weeks and who were in close contact with animal, 119 milk samples from cows with reproductive disorders and 6 aborted materials from goat were collected from these selected districts for the detection of C. burnetii antibody by ELISA and DNA by PCR assay. The research was performed with the collaboration of OIE reference laboratory for Q fever, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Germany. Results: The overall sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection by ELISA was 3.01% in cattle, 7.6 % in goats and 0.63% in humans. The highest sero-positivity was recorded in cattle in Mymensingh (4.5%) in comparison to Pabna (2.8%), Kurigram (2.5%) and Sirajgonj (2.4%) districts. Risk factors associated with higher sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection was recorded in cattle with  5 years (4.4%) than 3 to 5 years (2.1%), indigenous (4.2%) than cross-bred (2.6%), history of retention of placenta (5.6%) than abortion (2.3%) and natural service (5.9%) than artificial insemination (2.3%). The sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection in goat showed highest in Kurigram (10.0%), followed by Sirajgonj (9.5%) and Mymensingh (9.3%) with no positive reactors in Pabna district. Risk factors associated with sero-positivity of C. burnetii infection in goats showed higher in > 2 years (14.1%) than up to 2 years (2.1%) age group and higher with the history of abortion (10.0%) than retention of placenta (4.2%). Risk factors associated with positivity of C. burnetii infection detected in milk samples of cows by ELISA showed an overall 21.85% positivity associated with history of reproductive disorders, with highest positivity in anestrus (33.3%), followed by retention of placenta (24.4%), abortion (21.7%) and lowest with repeat breeding (8.3%). In addition, higher positivity was recorded in cross-bred (24.2%) than in indigenous (12.5%) cattle. In case of humans, only one human patient (0.63%) had positive for IgG phase-II ELISA. C. burnetii DNA was detected in two sero-positive milk samples but all of the intermediate positive milk samples by ELISA were negative by PCR assay and even none of the aborted material of goat was positive in PCR and cell culture. Conclusions: This study recorded the prevalence and risk factors associated with the zoonotic C. burnetii infection in both the domestic ruminants and humans but still it is unrecognized and underestimated in both human and animal health and research in Bangladesh. The findings of this study support the further research on C. burnetii in both human and veterinary medicine under ‘One Health’ approach particularly targeting epidemiology on the agent, host and environment for the control and prevention of the disease in Bangladesh. Keywords: C. burnetii, Ruminants, Humans, ELISA, PCR, Sera, Milk, Prevalence, Risk factors, ‘One Health’ approach


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kangwei Hou ◽  
Simon Firestone ◽  
Anke Wiethoelter ◽  
John Stenos ◽  
Louis Lignereux ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite the potentially important role that intensively managed dairy goats play in the spread of Q fever, the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii among dairy goat herds in Australia is largely unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of coxiellosis-positive dairy goat herds in Australia and to identify risk factors associated with coxiellosis positivity. Methods Owners or managers of commercial dairy goat herds were contacted and asked to complete a questionnaire about risk factors for coxiellosis and to provide a bulk tank milk (BTM) sample. BTM samples were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the Com1 and IS1111 sections of the C. burnetii genome. Questionnaire responses from coxiellosis positive and coxiellosis negative herds were compared using frequency cross-tabulations and multivariable logistic regression. Results Herd managers from 49 of the 61 commercial dairy goat herds in Australia took part in the study. Of this group, three BTM samples were found to be both ELISA and RT-PCR positive. Two BTM samples were ELISA positive but RT-PCR negative. There were 10 (95% CI 4.4 to 22) C. burnetii positive herds per 100 herds at risk. Conclusions The prevalence of coxiellosis among commercial dairy goat farms in Australia is relatively low. Key messages The Australian dairy goat industry should focus on biosecurity measures and risk management plans to reduce the probability of C. burnetii introduction.


Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1075
Author(s):  
Salvatore Ledda ◽  
Cinzia Santucciu ◽  
Valentina Chisu ◽  
Giovanna Masala

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative pathogen with a complex life cycle and a high impact on public and animal health all over the world. The symptoms are indistinguishable from those belonging to other diseases, and the disease could be symptomless. For these reasons, reliable laboratory tests are essential for an accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to validate a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, named the Chorus Q Fever Phase II IgG and IgM Kit (DIESSE, Diagnostica Senese S.p.A), which is performed by an instrument named Chorus, a new device in medical diagnostics. This diagnostic test is employed for the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii Phase II antigens in acute disease. Our validation protocol was performed according to the Italian Accreditation Body (ACCREDIA) (Regulation UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and 17043:2010), OIE (World Organization for Animal Health), and Statement for Reporting Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD). Operator performance was evaluated along with the analytical specificity and sensitivity (ASp and ASe) and diagnostic accuracy of the kit, with parameters such as diagnostic specificity and sensitivity (DSp and DSe) and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), in addition to the repeatability. According to the evaluated parameters, the diagnostic ELISA test was shown to be suitable for validation and commercialization as a screening method in human sera and a valid support for clinical diagnostics.


2014 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A. Marchioro ◽  
C.M. Colli ◽  
É.C. Ferreira ◽  
B.M. Viol ◽  
S.M. Araújo ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study investigated the epidemiological factors that contribute to the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. in children from Paraná state, Brazil. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to T. gondii were detected using indirect immunofluorescence, and IgG antibodies to Toxocara were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For each individual, a questionnaire was completed that contained epidemiological and clinical data. The data analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. Of the 544 children investigated, 3.2% presented co-infection with T. gondii and Toxocara spp. Of this total, 7.4% were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and 25% were positive for antibodies to Toxocara spp. The presence of antibodies to Toxocara spp. increased the risk of T. gondii infection (P= 0.029). Children who were 1–8 years of age were less infected by T. gondii than those who were 9–12 years of age. The variables that influenced positivity for anti-Toxocara spp. were the origin of the children and contact with sand. Children with positive serology for Toxocara spp. presented more eosinophilia compared with those with non-reactive serology. Infection with both parasites reveals the need for preventive measures, such as guidance about modes of infection, parasite control and monitoring recreational areas.


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