Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection among companion dogs in Fars Province, South Iran

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonosis at a global scale. The epidemiological role of dogs in transmission of Q fever has recently been demonstrated, but there is still a dearth of information on the subject. The aim of present study was to evaluate the occurrence and seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection among companion dogs population in Fars province, South Iran. Blood samples were collected from 181 asymptomatic dogs, mostly referred to Veterinary Hospital of Shiraz University for regular vaccination. The IgG antibody detection against C. burnetii was made by indirect Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), employing C. burnetii phase I and II antigens. A logistic regression model was developed to analyse multiple risk factors associated with seropositivity. Specific antibodies against C. burnetii were detected in 14 (7.7%) cases, 12 with S/P% of 20-50% and 2 with S/P% greater than 80%. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult dogs above 5 years (18.18 %; 2 out of 11) compared with dogs between 1 and 5 years (7.86 %; 7 out of 89) and less than 1 year (6.17%; 5 out of 81) (P=0.043). Prevalence was also higher in male dogs (11.21 %; 12 out of 107) than in female (2.7 %; 2 out of 74) (P=0.035). Breed, type of housing, type of food and exposure to other farm animals showed no significant differences between positive and negative cases (P>0.05). The results of this study showed the presence of C. burnetii infection among the companion dogs population in Iran, which could be a public health concern for humans. In areas like Iran, where human cases of Q fever are not common or remain unreported, the public health implications of Q fever seroprevalence in dogs are quite significant.

Tick-borne zoonoses in the Order Rickettsiales and Legionellales in Iran: A systematic review

“…Among dogs, two studies reported on C . burnetii prevalence in Iran, yielding a pooled prevalence of 7.7–11% with tick infested dogs that had been referred to the veterinary teaching hospital of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman having a higher seroprevalence (11%) compared to the 7.7% prevalence reported among asymptomatic companion dogs in Fars province, in the southern part of Iran [ 123 , 137 ].…”

“…burnetii prevalence in Iran; one among asymptomatic companion dogs in Fars province and the other among dogs taken to a veterinary hospital in Kerman province. From the two studies, a pooled prevalence of 7.7–11% was reported [ 123 , 137 ]. Though Q fever is less prevalent in dogs compared to domestic ruminants, dogs that are exposed to infected wildlife carcasses, sick farm animals and their offspring or livestock environment where the C .…”