Risk factors for an infection with Coxiella burnetii in German sheep flocks

Abstract In Germany, sheep are the main source of human Q fever epidemics, but data on Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infections and related risk factors in the German sheep population remain scarce. In this cross-sectional study, a standardised interview was conducted across 71 exclusively sheep as well as mixed (sheep and goat) farms to identify animal and herd level risk factors associated with the detection of C. burnetii antibodies or pathogen-specific gene fragments via univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Serum samples and genital swabs from adult males and females of 3367 small ruminants from 71 farms were collected and analysed using ELISA and qPCR, respectively. On animal level, univariable analysis identified young animals (<2 years of age; odds ratio (OR) 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.83) to reduce the risk for seropositivity significantly (p < 0.05). The final multivariable logistic models identified lambing all year-round (OR 3.46/3.65; 95% CI 0.80–15.06/0.41–32.06) and purchases of sheep and goats (OR 13.61/22.99; 95% CI 2.86–64.64/2.21–239.42) as risk factors on herd level for C. burnetii infection detected via ELISA and qPCR, respectively.

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Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in sheep flocks in Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/004.2021.00034 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shuaibu Gidado Adamu ◽

Junaidu Kabir ◽

Jarlath Udo Umoh ◽

Mashood Abiola Raji

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Jugular Vein ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Sectional Study ◽

High Seroprevalence ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference

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.

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Seroreactivity and Risk Factors Associated with Coxiella burnetii Infection among Cattle Slaughterhouse Workers in South Korea

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15102264 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 2264 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ji-Hyuk Park ◽

Seon Hwang ◽

Dilaram Acharya ◽

Seung Lee ◽

Kyu Hwang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

South Korea ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Close Contact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Related Risk

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.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Coxiella burnetii Antibodies in Bulk Milk from Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Jordan

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-377 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 80 (4) ◽

pp. 561-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mohammad M. Obaidat ◽

Gilbert J. Kersh

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Dairy Cattle ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Large Scale ◽

Q Fever ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sheep And Goats ◽

Bulk Milk ◽

Cattle Farms

ABSTRACT This large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, geographical distribution, and risk factors for the presence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk derived from dairy cattle, sheep, and goats in Jordan. Bulk milk samples were collected from 78 dairy cattle, 48 sheep, and 23 goat farms from various places in Jordan according to the density of these animal species in each region of the country. The samples were tested for C. burnetii antibodies using the CHEKIT Q-Fever Antibody ELISA kit. A standardized questionnaire was also used to collect data from each farm to identify and rank the risk factors for the presence of C. burnetii antibodies. The results revealed that 62.9% (95% confidence interval: 55.1 to 70.0%) of the tested ruminant farms were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. Positive results were obtained from 70.9% (60.6 to 79.5%) of dairy cattle farms, 52.1% (38.3 to 65.5%) of sheep farms, and 56.0% (37.1 to 73.3%) of goat farms. Six factors were associated with the presence of these antibodies on cattle farms, and five factors were associated with these antibodies on sheep and goat farms (chi-square test). The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that large dairy cattle farms, farms that add new animals to the herd, farms that infrequently clean the feeders, and farms in particular areas are 28.6, 19.9, 8.0, and 6.4 times more likely, respectively, to have animals with C. burnetii antibodies. Sheep and goat farms that mix their animals with those from other farms, graze more than 5 km, and infrequently sanitize the feeders were 8.0, 0.06, and 13.6 times more likely, respectively, to have animals with C. burnetii antibodies. These data reveal the widespread exposure of Jordanian ruminants to C. burnetii and suggest a high risk for public health.

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Q Fever: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors in Slaughter Livestock and Genotypes of Coxiella burnetii in South Africa

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10030258 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 258

Author(s):

Maruping Mangena ◽

Nomakorinte Gcebe ◽

Rian Pierneef ◽

Peter N. Thompson ◽

Abiodun A. Adesiyun

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

South Africa ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Farm Workers ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Game Animals

Q fever is a neglected zoonosis in South Africa, causing significant losses in livestock and game animals through reproductive disorders. However, there are limited studies on the extent of Coxiella burnetii infections in livestock in South Africa. Further, there is also lack of knowledge about the types of C. burnetii strains that are currently circulating in the country. Therefore, a cross-sectional, abattoir-based study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii and associated risk factors, and to characterize C. burnetii strains from slaughter livestock at red meat abattoirs in Gauteng, South Africa. Of the 507 animals tested, 6.9% (95% CI: 4.9–9.5%) were positive for antibodies against C. burnetii. The seroprevalence was 9.4% (31/331) in cattle, 4.3% (3/69) in sheep, and 0.9% (1/107) in pigs. Out of the 63 tissue samples from 35 seropositive animals including material from two sheep aborted fetuses from Mangaung district (Free State province), 12.7% (8/63) tested positive by IS1111 PCR. Genotyping of the eight PCR-positive tissues from eight animals by MLVA revealed two novel genotypes, not available in Coxiella MLVA databases. It is concluded that slaughter animals pose a risk of exposing abattoir and farm workers to C. burnetii in South Africa.

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Coxiella Burnetii in Horses of Algeria: Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors

World s Veterinary Journal ◽

10.54203/scil.2020.wvj72 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 602-608

Author(s):

Samir Ansel ◽

Karima Benfodil ◽

Abdellah Mohamed Cherif ◽

Amine Abdelli ◽

Rachid Kaidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Water Source ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Prophylactic Measures

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.

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Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the south western Nepal: a comparative study

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02835-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tulsi Ram Gompo ◽

Rubina Shah ◽

Ishwari Tiwari ◽

Yam Bahadur Gurung

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Control Program ◽

Significant Risk Factor ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sheep Population ◽

Goat Population ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, namely sheep and goats, has impacted farmers’ livelihood and the food safety of consumers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rupandehi district of Nepal during January to March 2020 to investigate the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in the sheep and goat population. Altogether, 19 sheep and 60 goat farms in the district were visited. Owners were interviewed to get information on animals, including their management and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven samples (80 sheep and 277 goat samples) were collected proportionately based on farm sizes. Each serum sample was tested with Rose Bengal Test and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity of brucellosis. Logistic regression was carried out to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with detection of brucellosis. Results At the farm level, 31.6% (6/19; 95% CI: 12, 54%) of sheep farms and 3.3% (2/60, 95% CI: 0.9, 11.4%) of goat farms were seropositive to brucellosis. Out of 80 sheep serum samples, 12 (15%; 95% CI: 8.79–24.41%) and out of 277 goat serum samples, three (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.37–3.14%) were seropositive to brucellosis. Age greater than 1.5 years (OR = 5.56, 95% CI: 1.39, 29.38; p = 0.02) and herd size of greater than 100 (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.23, 20.32, p = 0.03) were identified as significant risk factors for seropositivity of brucellosis in the sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables was identified as a significant risk factor. Conclusion The study provides evidence that the older sheep and the sheep from the large herds were at higher risk of brucellosis. A control program should be put in place immediately in the sheep population because they may transmit infections to other livestock as they were regularly moved for grazing and selling purposes. Also, strict biosecurity measures should be implemented among pastoralists to prevent brucellosis transmission in them. We suggest further one health-based study to reveal the transmission dynamics of brucellosis between animals and humans.

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Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the mid southern Nepal: A comparative study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-39025/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tulsi Ram Gompo ◽

Rubina Shah ◽

Ishwari Tiwari ◽

Yam Bahadur Gurung

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sheep Population ◽

Sheep And Goats ◽

Goat Population ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of animals and humans caused by the Brucella spps. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, e.g., sheep and goats, has impacted the farmers' livelihood and people's food safety. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Rupandehi districts of Nepal to the discover the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in sheep and goat population. Altogether, 19 sheep and 60 goat farms located in the districts' local units were visited, and the owners were interviewed to get the information on animal characteristics, management, and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven serum samples (80 sheep and 277 goat’s samples) were collected from selected herd based on the probability proportional to their sizes. Each serum sample was tested for Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity. Bivariate analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression was applied to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with the brucellosis. Results Out of 80 sheep samples, 12 (15%; 95%CI: 8.79%-24.41%, P<0.001) and out of 277 goat samples 3 (1.1%; 0.37%-3.14%, P<0.001) were tested positive to brucellosis. Age of greater than 1.5 years (OR= 6.39, 95%CI: 1.23, 54.67, p= 0.04) was identified as the significant risk factor for brucellosis in sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables were identified as the significant risk factors in multivariable regression analysis. However, the goat from the frequent grazing herds had borderline significance (OR = 8.81, 95%CI: 0.44, 174.56, p<0.15). It might be because of the regular movement of sheep herds that get mixed up with the goat populations. Conclusion The study provides evidence that the burden of brucellosis in sheep is significantly higher than goats. The brucellosis control program in sheep should be applied immediately, as the contiguous herds of sheep and goats keep mixing while grazing and selling. Also, the strict biosecurity and biosafety measures should be implemented among the sheepherders to prevent infection of Brucella in them. We suggest further study on both small ruminants and the sheep owners to reveal the transmission dynamics through one health approach.

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Cross-sectional serosurvey of Coxiella burnetii in healthy cattle and sheep from extensive grazing system in central Italy

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268819002115 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 148 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

G. Barlozzari ◽

M. Sala ◽

F. Iacoponi ◽

C. Volpi ◽

N. Polinori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Central Italy ◽

Control Measures ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Herd Level ◽

Cattle And Sheep

Abstract A cross-sectional survey was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in extensively grazed cattle and sheep from central Italy and to identify the related risk factors. Data on notified human Q fever cases in the area were also collected and described. A two-stage cluster sampling was performed. A total of 5083 animals (2210 cattle; 2873 sheep) belonging to 186 farms (92 herds; 94 flocks) were tested for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence at the animal-level resulted three times higher in sheep compared to cattle (37.8% vs. 12.0%; χ2 = 270.10, P < 0.001). The prevalence at the herd-level was also higher in sheep than in cattle (87.2% vs. 68.5%; χ2 = 9.52, P < 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of seropositivity for cattle aged 67–107 months (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.86–4.18), cattle >107 months of age (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.36–3.14) and mixed breed cattle (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11–2.72). A herd size >92 animals was recognized as herd-level risk factor in cattle (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.67–28.37). The risk of being seropositive was double in sheep belonging to flocks >600 animals (odds ratio (OR) 2.04, 95% CI 1.63–2.56). Sheep were confirmed to be the most exposed species. Nevertheless, the prevalence observed in cattle also suggests the potential involvement of this species in the circulation of the pathogen in the area. Seven confirmed human Q fever cases were reported. In five out of seven cases there was at least one exposed herd within a 5 km buffer. Even though the source of the infection was not identified, the possibility of C. burnetii circulating in the livestock and human population in the study area cannot be overlooked. The integration between veterinary and human surveillance will be crucial to understand the spread of this zoonosis and to support the adoption of appropriate control measures.

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Coxiella burnetii infection in humans: to what extent do cattle in infected areas free from small ruminants play a role?

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268820001880 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 148 ◽

Author(s):

M. Pouquet ◽

N. Bareille ◽

R. Guatteo ◽

L. Moret ◽

F. Beaudeau

Keyword(s):

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Q Fever ◽

Adult Population ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

General Adult Population

Abstract Domestic ruminants (cattle, goats and sheep) are considered to be the main reservoirs for human Coxiella burnetii infection. However, there is still a need to assess the specific contribution of cattle. Indeed, most seroprevalence studies in humans were carried out in areas comprising both cattle and small ruminants, the latter being systematically implicated in human Q fever outbreaks. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study in areas where C. burnetii infection in cattle was endemic, where the density of cattle and small ruminant farms were respectively high and very low. The aim was to estimate the seroprevalence rates among two occupational (cattle farmers and livestock veterinarians), and one non-occupational (general adult population) risk groups. Sera were collected in 176 cattle farmers, 45 veterinarians and 347 blood donors, and tested for phase I and II antibodies using immunofluorescence assay. Seroprevalence rates were 56.3% among cattle farmers, 88.9% among veterinarians and 12.7% among blood donors. This suggests that a specific risk for acquiring C. burnetii infection from cattle in endemically infected areas exists, mainly for occupational risk groups, but also for the general population. Further research is needed to identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection in humans in such areas.

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890The prevalence and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii on commercial dairy goat farms in Australia

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.289 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Kangwei Hou ◽

Simon Firestone ◽

Anke Wiethoelter ◽

John Stenos ◽

Louis Lignereux ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Coxiella Burnetii ◽

Q Fever ◽

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Dairy Goat ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Dairy Goats ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pcr Targeting

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.

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