Report of a serological study of Coxiella burnetii in domestic animals in Albania

Çekani, Mirela Lika; Papa, Anna; Kota, Majlinda; Velo, Enkeleida; Bërxholi, Kristaq

doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.01.005

Cited by 32 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Comparison should be done with caution as study populations and study years vary and different serological assays with different performance are used [23,24]. The goat seroprevalence was 8.8% in Albania [25] and 6.5% in Northern Greece [26]. In Spain, the goat and farm prevalence was 8.7% and 45%, respectively, based on ELISA [19] similar to results of a smaller study from Northern Ireland (goat seroprevalence 9.3%, farm prevalence 42.9%) [17], and in Sardinia in 1999-2002: goat prevalence 13% and farm prevalence 47% using an alternative criterion of two or more seropositive animals per farm [18].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010

et al. 2011

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BackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dairy goat farms in the Netherlands and to identify risk factors for farm and goat seropositivity before mandatory vaccination started. We approached 334 eligible farms with more than 100 goats for serum sampling and a farm questionnaire. Per farm, median 21 goats were sampled. A farm was considered positive when at least one goat tested ELISA positive.ResultsIn total, 2,828 goat serum samples from 123 farms were available. Farm prevalence was 43.1% (95%CI: 34.3%-51.8%). Overall goat seroprevalence was 21.4% (95%CI: 19.9%-22.9%) and among the 53 positive farms 46.6% (95%CI: 43.8%-49.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis included 96 farms and showed that farm location within 8 kilometres proximity from a bulk milk PCR positive farm, location in a municipality with high cattle density (≥ 100 cattle per square kilometre), controlling nuisance animals through covering airspaces, presence of cats or dogs in the goat stable, straw imported from abroad or unknown origin and a herd size above 800 goats were independent risk factors associated with Q fever on farm level. At animal level almost identical risk factors were found, with use of windbreak curtain and artificial insemination as additional risk factors.ConclusionIn 2009-2010, the seroprevalence in dairy goats in the Netherlands increased on animal and farm level compared to a previous study in 2008. Risk factors suggest spread from relatively closely located bulk milk-infected small ruminant farms, next to introduction and spread from companion animals, imported straw and use of artificial insemination. In-depth studies investigating the role of artificial insemination and bedding material are needed, while simultaneously general biosecurity measures should be updated, such as avoiding companion animals and vermin entering the stables, next to advice on farm stable constructions on how to prevent introduction and minimize airborne transmission from affected dairy goat farms to prevent further spread to the near environment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010

et al. 2011

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“…In some areas bovine seems to be the main reservoir [15-17] whereas in others, goats [18,19] or sheep [20-22] are the main domestic reservoir. However in other studies, serological surveys indicate that the different domestic ruminant species can play together a relevant role in the domestic cycle of C. burnetii [3,23-25]. In addition, different management systems showed different degree of exposure to infection [26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seroepidemiological study of Q fever in domestic ruminants in semi-extensive grazing systems

et al. 2010

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BackgroundQ fever, a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, is endemic in northern Spain where it has been reported as responsible for large series of human pneumonia cases and domestic ruminants' reproductive disorders. To investigate pathogen exposure among domestic ruminants in semi-extensive grazing systems in northern Spain, a serosurvey was carried out in 1,379 sheep (42 flocks), 626 beef cattle (46 herds) and 115 goats (11 herds). Serum antibodies were analysed by ELISA and positive samples were retested by Complement Fixation test (CFT) to detect recent infections.ResultsELISA anti-C. burnetii antibody prevalence was slightly higher in sheep (11.8 ± 2.0%) than in goats (8.7 ± 5.9%) and beef cattle (6.7 ± 2.0%). Herd prevalence was 74% for ovine, 45% for goat and 43% for bovine. Twenty-one percent of sheep flocks, 27% of goat and 14% of cattle herds had a C. burnetii seroprevalence ≥ 20%. Only 15 out of 214 ELISA-positive animals reacted positive by CFT. Age-associated seroprevalence differed between ruminant species with a general increasing pattern with age. No evidence of correlation between abortion history and seroprevalence rates was observed despite the known abortifacient nature of C. burnetii in domestic ruminants.ConclusionsResults reported herein showed that sheep had the highest contact rate with C. burnetii in the region but also that cattle and goats should not be neglected as part of the domestic cycle of C. burnetii. This work reports basic epidemiologic patterns of C. burnetii in semi-extensive grazed domestic ruminants which, together with the relevant role of C. burnetii as a zoonotic and abortifacient agent, makes these results to concern both Public and Animal Health Authorities.

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“…Approximately 5 % of acute Q fever cases go on to develop chronic Q fever 72 . People may become chronically infected without having being previously diagnosed with acute disease, and chronic Q fever may manifest months or years after an acute infection 72 .…”

Section: Chronic Q Fevermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…People may become chronically infected without having being previously diagnosed with acute disease, and chronic Q fever may manifest months or years after an acute infection 72 . In these chronic infections, C. burnetii multiply in host macrophages, producing a permanent rickettsaemia, characterised by high levels of persistent antibodies.…”

Section: Chronic Q Fevermentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is well documented that Q fever disease is predominantly associated with large ruminants, however, there have been numerous cases and outbreaks that have been related to domestic pets including felines and canines 71,72 . In the cases of Q fever disease where no direct ruminant contact can be recorded, it is thought that perhaps these domestic animals may be the reservoir of the disease and hence the sources of infection to humans in urban or non-rural environments.…”

Section: Domestic Petsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Epidemiology, diagnosis and prevention of Q fever in Queensland

Tozer¹

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Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease, Q fever. The disease Q fever is diagnosed globally, however Australia, and in particular Queensland, has the highest rates of notifications in the world.This study is the first comprehensive investigation of Q fever in Queensland, with a special focus on paediatric infections. At the time of commencement, very limited data were available on the incidence of Q fever in Queensland, the risk factors associated with infection, and the presentation of the disease in children.Analysis of 6,797 notified Queensland Q fever cases, confirmed the disease to be mainly confined to rural populations, yet there were a noteworthy number of cases reported from urban and non-rural communities. Alarmingly there were 235 notifications from children in Queensland. Globally, Q fever is considered to be under-reported and therefore a seroprevalence study was performed to truly assess the rate of exposure in the Queensland population.This seroprevalence study highlighted a wider exposure to the organism, with a substantial number of people being exposed from non-rural communities, along with an increased prevalence in children. Further investigations were performed to identify the sources of exposure, especially in "low risk" populations using PCR. This study identified a number of potential sources of infection to humans including domestic pets, flying foxes and dust.Q fever is an infectious disease presenting with a wide variety of symptoms which may obscure the clinician's diagnostic approach and treatment. This thesis investigated specific cases of Q fever in both children and adults where there were unusual presentations, including whole families infected, and a serve case in which the patient had complete organ failure. These cases showed the need for greater understanding and awareness of the disease and also demonstrated that indirect transmission of infection from a family member working in a high risk occupation, to other family members may occur.Prevention of Q fever in the population through vaccination is highly desirable. To ensure adequate vaccine coverage, genotypic characterisation of the Coxiella strains circulating in the population is necessary. This study determined the range of different genotypes ii detected, and found new, novel genotypes circulating in Queensland, as well as genotypes that were unique to Australia.

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Report of a serological study of Coxiella burnetii in domestic animals in Albania

Cited by 32 publications

References 7 publications

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010

Seroepidemiological study of Q fever in domestic ruminants in semi-extensive grazing systems

Epidemiology, diagnosis and prevention of Q fever in Queensland

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