Coxiella burnetii and its risk factors in cattle in Egypt: a seroepidemiological survey

Abstract

Animal production is greatly affected by Q fever. As a result of a lack of methodology and financial means to perform extensive epidemiological surveys, the disease's underdiagnosis has proven to be a challenge for effective control. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in cattle raising in four governorates situated at Nile Delta of Egypt and assess the associated risk factors for infection. A total of 480 serum samples were collected from cattle and examined for presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using indirect ELISA assay. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii among examined cattle was 19.8%, with the Qalyubia governorate having the highest prevalence. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed significant association between C. burnetii seropositivity and age, communal grazing and/or watering, contact with small ruminants and history of infertility. According to the findings of this work, C. burnetii is circulating among cattle living in Nile Delta. It is suggested that adequate hygiene procedures and biosecurity measures should be implemented to limit the transmission of pathogens within cow herds and potential human exposure.

Serosurvey of selected reproductive pathogens in domestic ruminants from Upper Egypt

“…In contrast, our survey reported lower seroprevalence values of C. burnetti in small and large ruminants than those reported in other studies in Upper and Lower Egypt (6.8 to 27%), respectively ( Table 1 ). Regarding the risk factors analysis, the seropositivity of C. burnetii in small ruminants was significantly higher than in large ruminants, which came in stark contrast with some previous reports from Egypt ( 63 ). This finding could be explained by the nature of grazing of small ruminants or by differences in the systems of management in this area, where large ruminants are mostly kept indoor, and therefore small ruminants could be more exposed to this pathogen along their life ( 64 ).…”

Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Relationship between Reproductive Performance and the Presence of Antibodies against Coxiellosis in Dairy Farm Milk Tanks in the Northwest of Spain

“…Geographical differences could also be related to the density of cattle in the different geographical areas and to the effect of climate conditions [10,58]. Some studies confirmed that the amount of precipitation is inversely proportional to the incidence of coxiellosis, with rain acting as a protective factor by reducing the dust and the aerosolization of C. burnetii [59]. A marked variation in seroprevalence between different geographical areas of Northern Ireland have also been observed by McCaughey et al [57].…”

“…Although the remaining risk factors were not included in the multivariable model, they are mentioned in the literature in relation to seropositivity in dairy farms [10,42,[59][60][61][62][63][64]. In our study, the preliminary analysis suggested that there was greater probability of positive results when youngstock was sent to a heifer custom raising facility.…”

Seroprevalence and assessment of risk-factors associated with Coxiellosis in cattle in Toukh, Qalubyia

“…Moreover, certain breeds display increased susceptibility (Alsaadawy et al, 2023). Small ruminants can harbor and transmit the bacteria so contact with these animals represents another significant risk (Selim et al, 2023). Moreover, the transmission of C. burnetii by ticks amplifies this risk, highlighting the need for tick control measures.…”