Serological evidence of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> infection in beef cattle in Queensland

Cooper, Alanna; Hedlefs, Robert; McGowan, Michael; Ketheesan, Natkunam; Govan, Brenda

doi:10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00794.x

Cited by 26 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…The risk of contacting Q fever in a rural setting has been extensively reported, and the direct correlation between animal handlers contracting Q fever from large ruminants has been previously identified (Stoker and Marmion, ; Lang, ; Seyitoglu et al., ; Cooper et al., ,b,c). However, prevalence studies in remote and urban areas have shown conclusively that a number of animal hosts, both domestic and native, have been exposed to C. burnetii , with these animals producing detectable antibodies (Cooper et al., ,b,c, ). The scope of risk associated with animal exposure other than large ruminants has to our knowledge not been widely examined in Australia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland

Tozer

Lambert

Strong

et al. 2013

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Q fever is a vaccine-preventable disease; despite this, high annual notification numbers are still recorded in Australia. We have previously shown seroprevalence in Queensland metropolitan regions is approaching that of rural areas. This study investigated the presence of nucleic acid from Coxiella burnetii, the agent responsible for Q fever, in a number of animal and environmental samples collected throughout Queensland, to identify potential sources of human infection. Samples were collected from 129 geographical locations and included urine, faeces and whole blood from 22 different animal species; 45 ticks were removed from two species, canines and possums; 151 soil samples; 72 atmospheric dust samples collected from two locations and 50 dust swabs collected from domestic vacuum cleaners. PCR testing was performed targeting the IS1111 and COM1 genes for the specific detection of C. burnetii DNA. There were 85 detections from 1318 animal samples, giving a detection rate for each sample type ranging from 2.1 to 6.8%. Equine samples produced a detection rate of 11.9%, whilst feline and canine samples showed detection rates of 7.8% and 5.2%, respectively. Native animals had varying detection rates: pooled urines from flying foxes had 7.8%, whilst koalas had 5.1%, and 6.7% of ticks screened were positive. The soil and dust samples showed the presence of C. burnetii DNA ranging from 2.0 to 6.9%, respectively. These data show that specimens from a variety of animal species and the general environment provide a number of potential sources for C. burnetii infections of humans living in Queensland. These previously unrecognized sources may account for the high seroprevalence rates seen in putative low-risk communities, including Q fever patients with no direct animal contact and those subjects living in a low-risk urban environment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland

Tozer

Lambert

Strong

et al. 2013

Zoonoses and Public Health

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“…A cross‐sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii , the causative agent of Q fever, was performed in beef cattle in Queensland 5 . Seropositivity was 16.8%, which is in the upper ranges for the rest of the world.…”

Section: Production Animalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In this issue – July 2011

Jackson¹

2011

Aust Veterinary J

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“…This study was able to elucidate PCR evidence in wildlife urine and faecal samples as well as soil and dust samples. Another wildlife seroprevalence study performed by Cooper et al (2012) revealed 30.4% macropods were positive for C. burnetii by serology, followed by bandicoots (23.9%) and possums (10.7%) [9], [10], [11]. Furthermore C. burnetii has been isolated from ticks, particularly in the kangaroo-habituating Ambylomma triguttatum [12], [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Q fever in an endemic region of North Queensland, Australia: A 10 year review

et al. 2017

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BackgroundQ fever is a zoonotic infection caused by Coxiella burnetii. Endemic Q fever has long been recognised in north Queensland, with north Queensland previously acknowledged to have the highest rate of notification in Australia. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the demographics and exposure of patients diagnosed with Q fever in an endemic region of north Queensland, to identify trends and exposure factors for the acquisition of Q fever.MethodsA retrospective study looking at patients in the region that had tested positive for Q fever by case ascertainment between 2004 and 2014. This involved both a chart review and the completion of a patient questionnaire targeting demographics, clinical presentation, risk factors and outcomes.ResultsThere were 101 patients with a positive Q fever serology and/or PCR that were identified in the region of north Queensland that was studied, between 2004 and 2014. The cohort was residents of Mackay Hospital and Health Service. Of these, 4 patients were excluded and 63 patients successfully completed a questionnaire on demographic and risk factors.Out of the 63 patients, the highest prevalence was in the patients residing in the coastal region of Proserpine (42/100,000 people per year) followed by the Whitsundays region (14.8/100,000 people per year). A significantly higher proportion of patients were reportedly exposed to macropods (69.8%) and possums (66.7%) as compared to cattle (23.8%). A trend between increased cases of Q fever infection and high seasonal rainfall was noted.ConclusionsIn this endemic region of north Queensland, exposure to wildlife and seasonal rainfall may be substantial exposure factors for the development of Q fever. The region studied is a popular tourist destination. An understanding of risk factors involved can help practitioners who see residents or returned travelers from the region, with an undifferentiated fever.

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Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in Queensland

Cited by 26 publications

References 28 publications

Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland

Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland

In this issue – July 2011

Q fever in an endemic region of North Queensland, Australia: A 10 year review

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