151
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Candela MG, Serrano E, Sevila J, León L, Caro MR, Verheyden H. Pathogens of zoonotic and biological importance in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): Seroprevalence in an agro-system population in France. Res Vet Sci 2014; 96:254-9. [PMID: 24576494 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibody prevalence for several infectious and parasitic diseases in a population of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) inhabiting a mixed agricultural landscape (south of France) has been analyzed. Serological analyses with ELISA in 245 animals captured from 2008 to 2012 has been performed. We found a high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (46.4%), Chlamydophila abortus (17.27%) and Coxiella burnetii (11.26%) compared to other studies in Europe. Seroprevalence varied strongly among years for T. gondii (27-91%), C. abortus (0-42%) and C. burnetii (0-27%). T. gondii prevalence was lower in juvenile females, compared to juvenile males and adults of both sexes. Other pathogens had low prevalences: Neospora caninum (1.56%), Bovine herpesvirus 1 (1.17%, 2008/09; 1.1%, 2010/11), Mycoplasma agalactiae (1.45%, 2009/10), Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (0.9%) and Slow viruses (CAEV-MVV) (0.15%, 2008/10; 0%, 2011/12). Antibodies to bluetongue virus and pestiviruses were not found in any individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G Candela
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain; Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Departament de Matemàtica, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Julie Sevila
- INRA, UR35 Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, B.P. 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Luis León
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Rosa Caro
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Hélène Verheyden
- INRA, UR35 Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, B.P. 52627, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
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152
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Correlations between peripheral blood Coxiella burnetii DNA load, interleukin-6 levels, and C-reactive protein levels in patients with acute Q fever. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2014; 21:484-7. [PMID: 24477856 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00715-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
From 2007 to 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest reported Q fever outbreak, with >4,000 notified cases. We showed previously that C-reactive protein is the only traditional infection marker reflecting disease activity in acute Q fever. Interleukin-6 is the principal inducer of C-reactive protein. We questioned whether increased C-reactive protein levels in acute Q fever patients coincide with increased interleukin-6 levels and if these levels correlate with the Coxiella burnetii DNA load in serum. In addition, we studied their correlation with disease severity, expressed by hospital admission and the development of fatigue. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were analyzed in sera from 102 patients diagnosed with seronegative PCR-positive acute Q fever. Significant but weak negative correlations were observed between bacterial DNA loads expressed as cycle threshold values and interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels, while a significant moderate-strong positive correlation was present between interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, significantly higher interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels were observed in hospitalized acute Q fever patients in comparison to those in nonhospitalized patients, while bacterial DNA loads were the same in the two groups. No marker was prognostic for the development of fatigue. In conclusion, the correlation between interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels in acute Q fever patients points to an immune activation pathway in which interleukin-6 induces the production of C-reactive protein. Significant differences in interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels between hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients despite identical bacterial DNA loads suggest an important role for host factors in disease presentation. Higher interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels seem predictive of more severe disease.
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153
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van Leuken JPG, Havelaar AH, van der Hoek W, Ladbury GAF, Hackert VH, Swart AN. A model for the early identification of sources of airborne pathogens in an outdoor environment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80412. [PMID: 24324598 PMCID: PMC3850919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Source identification in areas with outbreaks of airborne pathogens is often time-consuming and expensive. We developed a model to identify the most likely location of sources of airborne pathogens. Methods As a case study, we retrospectively analyzed three Q fever outbreaks in the Netherlands in 2009, each with suspected exposure from a single large dairy goat farm. Model input consisted only of case residential addresses, day of first clinical symptoms, and human population density data. We defined a spatial grid and fitted an exponentially declining function to the incidence-distance data of each grid point. For any grid point with a fit significant at the 95% confidence level, we calculated a measure of risk. For validation, we used results from abortion notifications, voluntary (2008) and mandatory (2009) bulk tank milk sampling at large (i.e. >50 goats and/or sheep) dairy farms, and non-systematic vaginal swab sampling at large and small dairy and non-dairy goat/sheep farms. In addition, we performed a two-source simulation study. Results Hotspots – areas most likely to contain the actual source – were identified at early outbreak stages, based on the earliest 2–10% of the case notifications. Distances between the hotspots and suspected goat farms varied from 300–1500 m. In regional likelihood rankings including all large dairy farms, the suspected goat farms consistently ranked first. The two-source simulation study showed that detection of sources is most clear if the distance between the sources is either relatively small or relatively large. Conclusions Our model identifies the most likely location of sources in an airborne pathogen outbreak area, even at early stages. It can help to reduce the number of potential sources to be investigated by microbial testing and to allow rapid implementation of interventions to limit the number of human infections and to reduce the risk of source-to-source transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen P. G. van Leuken
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Arie H. Havelaar
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Volker H. Hackert
- Municipal Health Service Zuid-Limburg, Sittard-Geleen, The Netherlands
| | - Arno N. Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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154
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Developmental transitions of Coxiella burnetii grown in axenic media. J Microbiol Methods 2013; 96:104-10. [PMID: 24286928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii undergoes a biphasic developmental cycle within its host cell that generates morphologically and physiologically distinct large cell variants (LCV) and small cell variants (SCV). During the lag phase of the C. burnetii growth cycle, non-replicating SCV differentiate into replicating LCV that in turn differentiate back into SCV during stationary phase. Nearly homogeneous SCV are observed in infected Vero cells after extended incubation (21 to 28days). In the current study, we sought to establish whether C. burnetii developmental transitions in host cells are recapitulated during host cell-free (axenic) growth in first and second generation acidified citrate cysteine media (ACCM-1 and ACCM-2, respectively). We show that ACCM-2 supported developmental transitions and viability. Although ACCM-1 also supported SCV to LCV transition, LCV to SCV transition did not occur after extended incubation (21days). Instead, C. burnetii exhibited a ghost-like appearance with bacteria containing condensed chromatin but otherwise devoid of cytoplasmic content. This phenotype correlated with a near total loss in viability between 14 and 21days of cultivation. Transcriptional profiling of C. burnetii following 14days of incubation revealed elevated expression of oxidative stress genes in ACCM-1 cultivated bacteria. ACCM-2 differs from ACCM-1 by the substitution of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Mβ-CD) for fetal bovine serum. Addition of Mβ-CD to ACCM-1 at 7days post-inoculation rescued C. burnetii viability and lowered expression of oxidative stress genes. Thus, Mβ-CD appears to alleviate oxidative stress in ACCM-2 to result in C. burnetii developmental transitions and viability that mimic host cell-cultivated organisms. Axenic cultivation of C. burnetii in ACCM-2 and new methods of genetic manipulation now allow investigation of the molecular basis of C. burnetii biphasic development.
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155
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Roest HIJ, Bossers A, van Zijderveld FG, Rebel JML. Clinical microbiology of Coxiella burnetii and relevant aspects for the diagnosis and control of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Vet Q 2013; 33:148-60. [PMID: 24161079 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2013.843809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Since its first recognition as a disease in the 1930s, the knowledge about the agent and the disease itself has increased. This review summarizes the current knowledge on C. burnetii and Q fever, its pathogenesis, diagnosis and control. C. burnetii is a bacterium which naturally replicates inside human or animal host cells. The clinical presentation of Q fever varies per host species. C. burnetii infection in animals is mainly asymptomatic except for pregnant ruminants in which abortions and stillbirth can occur. In humans, the disease is also mainly asymptomatic, but clinical presentations include acute and chronic Q fever and the post-Q fever fatigue syndrome. Knowledge of the pathogenesis of Q fever in animals and excretion of C. burnetii in infected animals is crucial in understanding the transmission routes and risks of human infection. Our studies indicated that infected pregnant animals only excrete C. burnetii during and after parturition, independent of abortion, and that C. burnetii phase specific serology can be a useful tool in the early detection of infection. Domestic ruminants are the main reservoir for human Q fever, which has a major public health impact when outbreaks occur. In outbreaks, epidemiological source identification can only be refined by genotypic analysis of the strains involved. To control outbreaks and Q fever in domestic ruminants, vaccination with a phase 1 vaccine is effective. Future challenges are to identify factors for virulence, host susceptibility and protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik I J Roest
- a Department of Bacteriology and TSEs, Central Veterinary Institute , Wageningen University and Research Centre , Lelystad , the Netherlands
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156
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Jaton K, Peter O, Raoult D, Tissot JD, Greub G. Development of a high throughput PCR to detect Coxiella burnetii and its application in a diagnostic laboratory over a 7-year period. New Microbes New Infect 2013; 1:6-12. [PMID: 25356317 PMCID: PMC4184484 DOI: 10.1002/2052-2975.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease due to Coxiella burnetii. The clinical presentation may be acute (pneumonia and/or hepatitis) or chronic (most commonly endocarditis). Diagnosis mainly relies on serology and PCR. We therefore developed a quantitative real-time PCR. We first tested blindly its performance on various clinical samples and then, when thoroughly validated, we applied it during a 7-year period for the diagnosis of both acute and persistent C. burnetii infection. Analytical sensitivity (< 10 copies/PCR) was excellent. When tested blindly on 183 samples, the specificity of the PCR was 100% (142/142) and the sensitivity was 71% (29/41). The sensitivity was 88% (7/8) on valvular samples, 69% (20/29) on blood samples and 50% (2/4) on urine samples. This new quantitative PCR was then successfully applied for the diagnosis of acute Q fever and endovascular infection due to C. burnetii, allowing the diagnosis of Q fever in six patients over a 7-year period. During a local small cluster of cases, the PCR was also applied to blood from 1355 blood donors; all were negative confirming the high specificity of this test. In conclusion, we developed a highly specific method with excellent sensitivity, which may be used on sera for the diagnosis of acute Q fever and on various samples such as sera, valvular samples, aortic specimens, bone and liver, for the diagnosis of persistent C. burnetii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jaton
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Peter
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Institut Central des Hôpitaux Valaisans Sion, Switzerland
| | - D Raoult
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée Marseille, 13005, France
| | - J-D Tissot
- Service Régional Vaudois de Transfusion Sanguine Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - G Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital of Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
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157
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In vitro and in vivo infectious potential of coxiella burnetii: a study on Belgian livestock isolates. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67622. [PMID: 23840751 PMCID: PMC3695903 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Q-fever is a zoonosis caused by the gram-negative obligate intracellular pathogen Coxiella burnetii. Since its discovery, and particularly following the recent outbreaks in the Netherlands, C. burnetii appeared as a clear public health concern. In the present study, the infectious potential displayed by goat and cattle isolates of C. burnetii was compared to a reference strain (Nine Mile) using both in vitro (human HeLa and bovine macrophage cells) and in vivo (BALB/c mice) models. The isolates had distant genomic profiles with one - the goat isolate - being identical to the predominant strain circulating in the Netherlands during the 2007–2010 outbreaks. Infective doses were established with ethidium monoazide-PCR for the first time here applied to C. burnetii. This method allowed for the preparation of reproducible and characterized inocula thanks to its capacity to discriminate between live and dead cells. Globally, the proliferative capacity of the Nine Mile strain in cell lines and mice was higher compared to the newly isolated field strains. In vitro, the bovine C. burnetii isolate multiplied faster in a bovine macrophage cell line, an observation tentatively explained by the preferential specificity of this strain for allogeneic host cells. In the BALB/c mouse model, however, the goat and bovine isolates multiplied at about the same rate indicating no peculiar hypervirulent behavior in this animal model.
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158
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Tozer SJ, Lambert SB, Strong CL, Field HE, Sloots TP, Nissen MD. Potential Animal and Environmental Sources of Q Fever Infection for Humans in Queensland. Zoonoses Public Health 2013; 61:105-12. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Tozer
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory; Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute; Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service ; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - S. B. Lambert
- Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute; Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
- Immunisation Program, Communicable Diseases Branch; Queensland Health; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - C. L. Strong
- Atmospheric Environment Research Centre; Griffith University; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - H. E. Field
- Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry; Queensland Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases; Biosecurity; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - T. P. Sloots
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory; Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute; Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service ; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - M. D. Nissen
- Queensland Paediatric Infectious Diseases Laboratory; Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute; Children's Health Queensland Hospitals and Health Service ; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Qld Australia
- Microbiology Division; Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory; Queensland Health; Brisbane Qld Australia
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159
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HARRIS P, EALES KM, SQUIRES R, GOVAN B, NORTON R. Acute Q fever in northern Queensland: variation in incidence related to rainfall and geographical location. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:1034-8. [PMID: 22882795 PMCID: PMC9151899 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to define the basic epidemiology of serologically confirmed acute Q fever in patients tested via the Townsville Hospital laboratory from 2000 to 2010 and to determine the impact of geographical location and seasonality on the incidence of acute cases in the Townsville region. Seven Statistical Local Areas (SLA) were identified as having an incidence higher than the average Queensland incidence over the study period. The SLA with the highest incidence was Woodstock-Ross with 24.9 cases/100,000. A clear seasonal peak was found, with the greatest number of cases observed in May, 3 months following the peak in rainfall in February. We hypothesize that an increase in wildlife numbers and drier conditions seen immediately following the wet season is the reason for the seasonal peak of human acute Q fever cases in Townsville.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. HARRIS
- Hunter Area Pathology Service, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - K. M. EALES
- Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - R. SQUIRES
- Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - B. GOVAN
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, Queensland, Australia
| | - R. NORTON
- Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Pathology Queensland, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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160
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Evaluation of the efficacy of oxytetracycline treatment followed by vaccination against Q fever in a highly infected sheep flock. Vet J 2013; 196:81-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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161
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Particulate matter strongly associated with human Q fever in The Netherlands: an ecological study. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 141:2623-33. [PMID: 23481147 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
There are still questions about the importance of different animal reservoirs and environmental factors that played a role in the large Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands. We therefore investigated the spatial association between reported Q fever cases and different livestock and environmental factors at the national level. A spatial regression analysis was performed, with four-digit postal code areas as the unit of analysis. High level of particulate matter (< 24.5 μg/m³) with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) was by far the strongest risk factor for human Q fever with an odds ratio of 10.4 (95% confidence interval 7.0-15.6) using PM10 <24.5 μg/m³ as reference, in logistic regression analysis, controlling for differences in animal densities, vegetation and other risk factors. Particulate matter seems to play an important role in the transmission of Q fever from infected animals to humans and should be a focus for further studies on zoonotic infectious diseases and decision-making.
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162
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de Bruin A, Janse I, Koning M, de Heer L, van der Plaats RQJ, van Leuken JPG, van Rotterdam BJ. Detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA in the environment during and after a large Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands. J Appl Microbiol 2013; 114:1395-404. [PMID: 23398323 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the Coxiella burnetii DNA content in environmental samples that may contribute to the transmission of C. burnetii. METHODS AND RESULTS During a large Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands, surface swabs and aerosol samples were collected inside stables and around six Q fever-affected ruminant farms, which are located in municipalities varying in Q fever incidence. After the outbreak in 2010, aerosol samples were collected in the same geographical areas. The use of an optimized multiplex qPCR for the detection of C. burnetii DNA revealed that all samples obtained inside stables were positive. In addition, the C. burnetii DNA content in aerosol samples collected in stables is significantly higher than in aerosol samples collected around the farms. Finally, the C. burnetii DNA content in aerosol samples collected in the same geographical locations was lower in 2010 in comparison with 2009. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in C. burnetii DNA content in aerosol samples between 2009 and 2010 is in agreement with the reduction in Q fever incidence in the same geographical areas. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The presence of C. burnetii DNA in environmental samples collected on and around ruminant farms supports the hypothesis that C. burnetii can be disseminated from ruminant farms to the surrounding areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A de Bruin
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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163
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Bonnet S, de la Fuente J, Nicollet P, Liu X, Madani N, Blanchard B, Maingourd C, Alongi A, Torina A, Fernández de Mera IG, Vicente J, George JC, Vayssier-Taussat M, Joncour G. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in adult Dermacentor spp. ticks from nine collection sites in France. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:226-36. [PMID: 23421886 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of Dermacentor spp. in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens is not well recognized in Europe. To investigate the role of Dermacentor spp. in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens, questing ticks were collected in 9 sites from southern to northwestern France (Camargue Delta to Eastern Brittany) where Dermacentor spp. exist and tick-borne diseases had occurred previously. Three tick species were collected during the spring and autumn of 2009. Collected ticks (both males and females) included D. marginatus (n=377), D. reticulatus (n=74), and I. ricinus (n=45). All ticks were analyzed by PCR or reverse line blot for the presence of pathogens' DNA. Pathogens analyzed were based on veterinarian reports and included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma marginale, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Francisella sp. Francisella tularensis was not detected in any of the analyzed ticks. In D. marginatus, infection prevalence for A. phagocytophilum (3%) was similar to that found in I. ricinus in Europe. Other pathogens present in D. marginatus included A. marginale (0.5%), Bartonella spp. (9%), C. burnetii (12%), F. philomiragia (1.3%), and Theileria annulata/Babesia bovis (0.3%), which were detected for the first time in France. Pathogens detected in D. reticulatus included A. marginale (1%), Bartonella spp. (12%), C. burnetii (16%), Borrelia spp. (1.5%), and F. philomiragia (19%). Pathogens detected in I. ricinus included A. phagocytophilum (41%), Bartonella spp. (9%), C. burnetii (18%), A. marginale (1%), Borrelia spp. (4.5%), and Babesia sp. (7%). This study represents the first epidemiological approach to characterize tick-borne pathogens infecting Dermacentor spp. in France and that may be transmitted by ticks from this genus. Further experiments using experimental infections and transmission may be now conducted to analyze vector competency of Dermacentor spp. for these pathogens and to validate such hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bonnet
- USC INRA Bartonella et Tiques, ANSES, 94706 Maisons-Alfort cedex, France.
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164
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Nett RJ, Helgerson SD, Anderson AD. Clinician Assessment forCoxiella burnetiiInfection in Hospitalized Patients with Potentially Compatible Illnesses During Q Fever Outbreaks and Following a Health Alert, Montana, 2011. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2013; 13:128-30. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Randall J. Nett
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer Program, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
- Public Health and Safety Division, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, Montana
| | - Steven D. Helgerson
- Public Health and Safety Division, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, Montana
| | - Alicia D. Anderson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
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165
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Dorko E, Rimárová K, Pilipcinec E. Influence of the environment and occupational exposure on the occurrence of Q fever. Cent Eur J Public Health 2013; 20:208-14. [PMID: 23285522 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Q fever, which is caused by Coxiella bumetii, is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease and ruminants are the main reservoir for human infections. Humans become infected primarily by inhaling aerosols that are contaminated with C. bumetii. Ingestion (particularly drinking raw milk) and person-to-person transmission are minor routes. Animals shed the bacterium in urine and faeces, and in very high concentrations in birth by-products. The bacterium persists in the environment in a resistant spore-like form which may become airborne and transported long distances by the wind. Q fever is considered primarily an occupational disease of workers in close contact with farm animals or processing their products, however, it may occur also in persons without direct contact. To prevent the introduction and spread of Q fever infection, preventive measures should be implemented including immunisation with currently available vaccines of domestic animals and humans at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Dorko
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of P. J. Safárik, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
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166
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Presence and persistence of Coxiella burnetii in the environments of goat farms associated with a Q fever outbreak. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:1697-703. [PMID: 23315737 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03472-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by inhalation of the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Ruminant livestock are common reservoirs for C. burnetii, and bacteria present in aerosols derived from the waste of infected animals can infect humans. The significance of infection from material deposited in the environment versus transmission directly from infected animals is not known. In 2011, an outbreak of Q fever cases on farms in Washington and Montana was associated with infected goats. A study was undertaken to investigate the quantity and spatial distribution of C. burnetii in the environment of these goat farms. Soil, vacuum, and sponge samples collected on seven farms epidemiologically linked to the outbreak were tested for the presence of C. burnetii DNA by quantitative PCR. Overall, 70.1% of the samples were positive for C. burnetii. All farms had positive samples, but the quantity of C. burnetii varied widely between samples and between farms. High quantities of C. burnetii DNA were in goat housing/birthing areas, and only small quantities were found in samples collected more than 50 m from these areas. Follow-up sampling at one of the farms 1 year after the outbreak found small quantities of C. burnetii DNA in air samples and large quantities of C. burnetii persisting in soil and vacuum samples. The results suggest that the highest concentrations of environmental C. burnetii are found in goat birthing areas and that contamination of other areas is mostly associated with human movement.
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Molecular typing of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever). ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 984:381-96. [PMID: 22711642 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4315-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Although we live in the age of genomics and the availability of complete genome sequences of Coxiella burnetii has increased our understanding of the genomic diversity of the agent, it is still somewhat a "query" microorganism. The epidemiology of Q fever is complex due to the worldwide distribution, reservoir and vector diversity, and a lack of studies defining the dynamic interaction between these factors. In addition Coxiella is an agent that could be used as a bioterror weapon. Therefore, typing methods that can discriminate strains and be used to trace back infections to their source are of paramount importance. In this chapter we provide an overview of historical and current typing methods and describe their advantages and limitations. Recently developed techniques such as MLVA and SNP typing have shown promise and improved the discrimination capacity and utility of genotyping methods for molecular epidemiologic studies of this challenging pathogen.
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Astobiza I, Tilburg JJHC, Piñero A, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL, Nabuurs-Franssen MH, Klaassen CHW. Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii from domestic ruminants in northern Spain. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:241. [PMID: 23227921 PMCID: PMC3528428 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information on the genotypic diversity of Coxiella burnetii isolates from infected domestic ruminants in Spain is limited. The aim of this study was to identify the C. burnetii genotypes infecting livestock in Northern Spain and compare them to other European genotypes. A commercial real-time PCR targeting the IS1111a insertion element was used to detect the presence of C. burnetii DNA in domestic ruminants from Spain. Genotypes were determined by a 6-loci Multiple Locus Variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) panel and Multispacer Sequence Typing (MST). Results A total of 45 samples from 4 goat herds (placentas, N = 4), 12 dairy cattle herds (vaginal mucus, individual milk, bulk tank milk, aerosols, N = 20) and 5 sheep flocks (placenta, vaginal swabs, faeces, air samples, dust, N = 21) were included in the study. Samples from goats and sheep were obtained from herds which had suffered abortions suspected to be caused by C. burnetii, whereas cattle samples were obtained from animals with reproductive problems compatible with C. burnetii infection, or consisted of bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from a Q fever surveillance programme. C. burnetii genotypes identified in ruminants from Spain were compared to those detected in other countries. Three MLVA genotypes were found in 4 goat farms, 7 MLVA genotypes were identified in 12 cattle herds and 4 MLVA genotypes were identified in 5 sheep flocks. Clustering of the MLVA genotypes using the minimum spanning tree method showed a high degree of genetic similarity between most MLVA genotypes. Overall 11 different MLVA genotypes were obtained corresponding to 4 different MST genotypes: MST genotype 13, identified in goat, sheep and cattle from Spain; MST genotype 18, only identified in goats; and, MST genotypes 8 and 20, identified in small ruminants and cattle, respectively. All these genotypes had been previously identified in animal and human clinical samples from several European countries, but some of the MLVA genotypes are described here for the first time. Conclusions Genotyping revealed a substantial genetic diversity among domestic ruminants from Northern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ianire Astobiza
- NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Department of Animal Health, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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de Bruin A, van Alphen PTW, van der Plaats RQJ, de Heer LND, Reusken CBEM, van Rotterdam BJ, Janse I. Molecular typing of Coxiella burnetii from animal and environmental matrices during Q fever epidemics in the Netherlands. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:165. [PMID: 22988998 PMCID: PMC3514391 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bacterium Coxiella burnetii has caused unprecedented outbreaks of Q fever in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010. Since 2007, over 4000 human cases have been reported, with 2354 cases in 2009 alone. Dairy goat farms were identified as most probable sources for emerging clusters of human Q fever cases in their vicinity. However, identifying individual farms as primary source for specific clusters of human cases remains a challenge, partly due to limited knowledge of the different C. burnetii strains circulating in livestock, the environment and humans. RESULTS We used a multiplex multi-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) assay to investigate the genotypic diversity of C. burnetii in different types of samples that were collected nationwide during the Dutch Q fever outbreaks between 2007 and 2010. Typing was performed on C. burnetii positive samples obtained from several independent studies investigating C. burnetii presence in animals and the environment. Six different genotypes were identified on 45 farm locations, based on sequence-confirmed estimates of repeat numbers of six MLVA markers. MLVA genotype A was observed on 38 of the 45 selected farm locations in animals and in environmental samples. CONCLUSIONS Sequence confirmation of the numbers of tandem repeats within each locus and consensus about repeat identification is essential for accurate MLVA typing of C. burnetii. MLVA genotype A is the most common genotype in animal samples obtained from goat, sheep, and rats, as well as in environmental samples such as (aerosolized) dust, which is considered to be the major transmission route from animals via the environment to humans. The finding of a single dominant MLVA genotype in patients, the environment, and livestock complicates accurate source-finding. Pinpointing individual sources in the Netherlands requires discrimination of genotypes at a higher resolution than attained by using MLVA, as it is likely that the dominant C. burnetii MLVA type will be detected on several farms and in different patients in a particular area of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnout de Bruin
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for infectious Disease Control (Cib), Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology (LZO), PO Box 1, Bilthoven, 3720, BA, the Netherlands.
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Schimmer B, Lenferink A, Schneeberger P, Aangenend H, Vellema P, Hautvast J, van Duynhoven Y. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) seropositivity in dairy goat farmers' households in The Netherlands, 2009-2010. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42364. [PMID: 22848762 PMCID: PMC3407076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Community Q fever epidemics occurred in the Netherlands in 2007–2009, with dairy goat and dairy sheep farms as the implicated source. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for seropositivity in dairy goat farmers and their household members living or working on these farms. Sera of 268 people living or working on 111 dairy goat farms were tested for Coxiella burnetii IgG and IgM antibodies using immunofluorescence assay. Seroprevalences in farmers, spouses and children (12–17 years) were 73.5%, 66.7%, and 57.1%, respectively. Risk factors for seropositivity were: performing three or more daily goat-related tasks, farm location in the two southern provinces of the country, proximity to bulk milk-positive farms, distance from the nearest stable to residence of 10 meters or less, presence of cats and multiple goat breeds in the stable, covering stable air spaces and staff not wearing farm boots. Goat farmers have a high risk to acquire this occupational infection. Clinicians should consider Q fever in this population presenting with compatible symptoms to allow timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe sequelae. Based on the risk factors identified, strengthening general biosecurity measures is recommended such as consistently wearing boots and protective clothing by farm staff to avoid indirect transmission and avoiding access of companion animals in the goat stable. Furthermore, it provides an evidence base for continuation of the current vaccination policy for small ruminants, preventing spread from contaminated farms to other farms in the vicinity. Finally, vaccination of seronegative farmers and household members could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schimmer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and The Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Lenferink
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and The Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Schneeberger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Aangenend
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Piet Vellema
- Department of Small Ruminant Health, Animal Health Service, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Jeannine Hautvast
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne van Duynhoven
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and The Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Q Fever with unusual exposure history: a classic presentation of a commonly misdiagnosed disease. Case Rep Infect Dis 2012; 2012:916142. [PMID: 22848855 PMCID: PMC3405563 DOI: 10.1155/2012/916142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the case of a man presumptively diagnosed and treated for Rocky Mountain spotted fever following exposure to multiple ticks while riding horses. The laboratory testing of acute and convalescent serum specimens led to laboratory confirmation of acute Q fever as the etiology. This case represents a potential tickborne transmission of Coxiella burnetii and highlights the importance of considering Q fever as a possible diagnosis following tick exposures.
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Jado I, Carranza-Rodríguez C, Barandika JF, Toledo Á, García-Amil C, Serrano B, Bolaños M, Gil H, Escudero R, García-Pérez AL, Olmeda AS, Astobiza I, Lobo B, Rodríguez-Vargas M, Pérez-Arellano JL, López-Gatius F, Pascual-Velasco F, Cilla G, Rodríguez NF, Anda P. Molecular method for the characterization of Coxiella burnetii from clinical and environmental samples: variability of genotypes in Spain. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:91. [PMID: 22656068 PMCID: PMC3413600 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coxiella burnetii is a highly clonal microorganism which is difficult to culture, requiring BSL3 conditions for its propagation. This leads to a scarce availability of isolates worldwide. On the other hand, published methods of characterization have delineated up to 8 different genomic groups and 36 genotypes. However, all these methodologies, with the exception of one that exhibited limited discriminatory power (3 genotypes), rely on performing between 10 and 20 PCR amplifications or sequencing long fragments of DNA, which make their direct application to clinical samples impracticable and leads to a scarce accessibility of data on the circulation of C. burnetii genotypes. Results To assess the variability of this organism in Spain, we have developed a novel method that consists of a multiplex (8 targets) PCR and hybridization with specific probes that reproduce the previous classification of this organism into 8 genomic groups, and up to 16 genotypes. It allows for a direct characterization from clinical and environmental samples in a single run, which will help in the study of the different genotypes circulating in wild and domestic cycles as well as from sporadic human cases and outbreaks. The method has been validated with reference isolates. A high variability of C. burnetii has been found in Spain among 90 samples tested, detecting 10 different genotypes, being those adaA negative associated with acute Q fever cases presenting as fever of intermediate duration with liver involvement and with chronic cases. Genotypes infecting humans are also found in sheep, goats, rats, wild boar and ticks, and the only genotype found in cattle has never been found among our clinical samples. Conclusions This newly developed methodology has permitted to demonstrate that C. burnetii is highly variable in Spain. With the data presented here, cattle seem not to participate in the transmission of C. burnetii to humans in the samples studied, while sheep, goats, wild boar, rats and ticks share genotypes with the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Jado
- Laboratorio de Espiroquetas y Patógenos Especiales, Department of Bacteriology, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra, de Pozuelo km 2,6, Majadahonda, Madrid, 28220, Spain.
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Hilbert A, Schmoock G, Lenzko H, Moog U, Diller R, Fröhlich A, Hoffmann L, Horner S, Elschner M, Tomaso H, Henning K, Neubauer H, Sprague LD. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in clinically healthy German sheep flocks. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:152. [PMID: 22429653 PMCID: PMC3351016 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current epidemiological data on the situation of Coxiella (C.) burnetii infections in sheep are missing, making risk assessment and the implementation of counteractive measures difficult. Using the German state of Thuringia as a model example, the estimated sero-, and antigen prevalence of C. burnetii (10% and 25%, respectively) was assessed at flock level in 39/252 randomly selected clinically healthy sheep flocks with more than 100 ewes and unknown abortion rate. Results The CHECKIT™ Q-fever Test Kit identified 11 (28%) antibody positive herds, whereas real-time PCR revealed the presence of C. burnetii DNA in 2 (5%) of the flocks. Multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis of 9 isolates obtained from one flock revealed identical profiles. All isolates contained the plasmid QpH1. Conclusions The results demonstrate that C. burnetii is present in clinically inconspicuous sheep flocks and sporadic flare-ups do occur as the notifications to the German animal disease reporting system show. Although C. burnetii infections are not a primary veterinary concern due to the lack of significant clinical impact on animal health (with the exception of goats), the eminent zoonotic risk for humans should not be underestimated. Therefore, strategies combining the interests of public and veterinary public health should include monitoring of flocks, the identification and culling of shedders as well as the administration of protective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Hilbert
- Institut für Epidemiologie, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, National Reference Laboratory for Q-fever, Wusterhausen, Germany
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de Rooij MMT, Schimmer B, Versteeg B, Schneeberger P, Berends BR, Heederik D, van der Hoek W, Wouters IM. Risk factors of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) seropositivity in veterinary medicine students. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32108. [PMID: 22363803 PMCID: PMC3283734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Q fever is an occupational risk for veterinarians, however little is known about the risk for veterinary medicine students. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii among veterinary medicine students and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study with questionnaire and blood sample collection was performed among all veterinary medicine students studying in the Netherlands in 2006. Serum samples (n = 674), representative of all study years and study directions, were analyzed for C. burnetii IgG and IgM phase I and II antibodies with an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Seropositivity was defined as IgG phase I and/or II titer of 1∶32 and above. Results Of the veterinary medicine students 126 (18.7%) had IgG antibodies against C. burnetii. Seropositivity associated risk factors identified were the study direction ‘farm animals’ (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.27 [95% CI 2.14–5.02]), advanced year of study (OR year 6: 2.31 [1.22–4.39] OR year 3–5 1.83 [1.07–3.10]) having had a zoonosis during the study (OR 1.74 [1.07–2.82]) and ever lived on a ruminant farm (OR 2.73 [1.59–4.67]). Stratified analysis revealed study direction ‘farm animals’ to be a study-related risk factor apart from ever living on a farm. In addition we identified a clear dose-response relation for the number of years lived on a farm with C. burnetii seropositivity. Conclusions C. burnetii seroprevalence is considerable among veterinary medicine students and study related risk factors were identified. This indicates Q fever as an occupational risk for veterinary medicine students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna M. T. de Rooij
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Schimmer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Versteeg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Schneeberger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Boyd R. Berends
- Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dick Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wim van der Hoek
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Inge M. Wouters
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Vranakis I, Kokkini S, Chochlakis D, Sandalakis V, Pasparaki E, Minadakis G, Gikas A, Tselentis Y, Psaroulaki A. Serological survey of Q fever in Crete, southern Greece. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 35:123-7. [PMID: 22261267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2011.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is an obligatory intracellular bacterium with worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii phase II antibodies in two different groups (high and low risk) of healthy human population and investigate the epidemiological characteristics of the infection in the island of Crete (southern Greece). Collection and testing by IFA of 493 sample sera for IgG and IgM antibodies against C. bumetii phase II antigen indicated a prevalence of IgG antibodies of 48.7%. Of the seropositive individuals, 34% also revealed IgM seropositive antibody titers. Analysis of 225 sample sera by IFA from high risk population presented a prevalence for C. burnetii of 62.2%. Our findings revealed that C. burnetii is highly endemic in Crete, indicating a high exposure of the population to the pathogen regardless of occupation or place of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iosif Vranakis
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Staurakia-Voutes, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA on small-ruminant farms during a Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:1652-7. [PMID: 22247143 DOI: 10.1128/aem.07323-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During large Q fever outbreaks in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010, dairy goat farms were implicated as the primary source of human Q fever. The transmission of Coxiella burnetii to humans is thought to occur primarily via aerosols, although available data on C. burnetii in aerosols and other environmental matrices are limited. During the outbreak of 2009, 19 dairy goat farms and one dairy sheep farm were selected nationwide to investigate the presence of C. burnetii DNA in vaginal swabs, manure, surface area swabs, milk unit filters, and aerosols. Four of these farms had a positive status during the Coxiella burnetii bulk milk monitoring program in 2009 and additionally reported abortion waves in 2008 or 2009. Eleven farms were reported as having positive bulk milk only, and five selected (control) farms had a bulk milk-negative status in 2009 and no reported Q fever history. Screening by quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that on farms with a history of abortions related to C. burnetii and, to a lesser extent, on farms positive by bulk milk monitoring, generally higher proportions of positive samples and higher levels of C. burnetii DNA within positive samples were observed than on the control farms. The relatively high levels of C. burnetii DNA in surface area swabs and aerosols sampled in stables of bulk milk-positive farms, including farms with a Q fever-related abortion history, support the hypothesis that these farms can pose a risk for the transmission of C. burnetii to humans.
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Wallménius K, Pettersson JHO, Jaenson TGT, Nilsson K. Prevalence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Coxiella burnetii in adult Ixodes ricinus ticks from 29 study areas in central and southern Sweden. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:100-6. [PMID: 22487426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
A total of 887 adult Ixodes ricinus ticks (469 females and 418 males) from 29 different localities in Sweden were screened for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Coxiella DNA using PCR and then subjected to gene sequencing. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 9.5-9.6% of the ticks. Most of the positive ticks were infected with Rickettsia helvetica. One tick harbored another spotted fever rickettsia, closely related to or identical with R. sibirica not previously found in I. ricinus nor in Sweden. Six of the ticks (0.7%) were infected with an Anaplasma sp., presumably A. phagocytophilum. Coxiella burnetii DNA was not detected in any of the ticks. The detection of R. helvetica and A. phagocytophilum in several of the localities sampled suggests that these potentially human-pathogenic agents are common in Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Wallménius
- Unit of Clinical Bacteriology, Dept. of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Animal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a goat flock and up to 18% in a sheep flock kept at an experimental station on the Swabian Alb, Germany. Fifteen out of 23 employees and residents on the farm tested positive for Coxiella burnetii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Ninety-four per cent of the goats and 47% of the sheep were seropositive for C. burnetii by ELISA. Blood samples of 8% of goats and 3% of sheep were PCR positive. C. burnetii was shed by all tested animals through vaginal mucus, by 97% of the goats and 78% of the sheep through milk, and by all investigated sheep through faeces (PCR testing). In this outbreak human and animal infection were temporally related suggesting that one was caused by the other.
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Amara AB, Bechah Y, Mege JL. Immune response and Coxiella burnetii invasion. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 984:287-98. [PMID: 22711638 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4315-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, has evolved a wealth of mechanisms in order to persist within hosts. Two tissues, namely adipose tissue and placenta, are candidates to house C. burnetii, but the mechanisms governing C. burnetii survival in these tissues are still unknown. In contrast, monocytes and macrophages are well-known targets of C. burnetii. First, C. burnetii has developed a specific strategy of phagocytosis subversion that consists of the inhibition of integrin interplay. Second, C. burnetii persistence is associated with macrophage activation profiles. Indeed, monocytes (in which C. burnetii survives without replication) exhibit a proinflammatory M1-type response, whereas macrophages (in which C. burnetii slowly replicates) are polarized towards an M2-type. Third, interleukin-10 produced by monocytes is a main factor of the chronic development of Q fever, and murine models confirm the key role of interleukin-10 in C. burnetii persistence. Fourth, apoptotic cells may play a key role in chronic Q fever. The uptake of apoptotic cells by circulating monocytes increases C. burnetii replication by redirecting monocytes toward a non-protective M2 profile. In the presence of interferon-γ, apoptotic cell engulfment is inhibited and monocytes polarized toward an M1 program are able to kill C. burnetii; this is the situation observed in patients with uncomplicated acute Q fever. Finally, we cannot exclude that regulatory T cells may play a role in C. burnetii persistence because their number is increased in patients with chronic Q fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Ben Amara
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Transmissibles et Emergentes, CNRS-IRD UMR 6236, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 48, Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
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Schimmer B, Luttikholt S, Hautvast JLA, Graat EAM, Vellema P, Duynhoven YTHPV. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Q fever in goats on commercial dairy goat farms in the Netherlands, 2009-2010. BMC Vet Res 2011; 7:81. [PMID: 22208798 PMCID: PMC3292966 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-7-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 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. Results In 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. Conclusion In 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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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schimmer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
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182
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van der Hoek W, Hunink J, Vellema P, Droogers P. Q fever in The Netherlands: the role of local environmental conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2011; 21:441-451. [PMID: 21563011 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2011.574270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The Netherlands is facing a Q fever epidemic in which dairy goats are implicated. People living close to an affected farm have an increased risk. However, no human cases were reported around a number of farms with serious Q fever problems. To assess the role of local environmental conditions which may add to the transmission or risk of Q fever, we gathered datasets on vegetation, land use, soil characteristics, and weather conditions in 5 km areas around infected farms. Areas without transmission had a higher vegetation density and relatively shallow groundwater conditions. Vegetation and soil moisture are relevant factors in the transmission of Coxiella burnetii from infected farms to humans, by reducing the amount of dust available for dispersion of the bacteria. The findings suggest that intensive goat and sheep husbandry should be avoided in areas that are characterized by a combination of arable land with deep groundwater and little vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim van der Hoek
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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183
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Detection of Coxiella burnetii in complex matrices by using multiplex quantitative PCR during a major Q fever outbreak in The Netherlands. Appl Environ Microbiol 2011; 77:6516-23. [PMID: 21784920 DOI: 10.1128/aem.05097-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. A large rural area in the southeast of the Netherlands was heavily affected by Q fever between 2007 and 2009. This initiated the development of a robust and internally controlled multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of C. burnetii DNA in veterinary and environmental matrices on suspected Q fever-affected farms. The qPCR detects three C. burnetii targets (icd, com1, and IS1111) and one Bacillus thuringiensis internal control target (cry1b). Bacillus thuringiensis spores were added to samples to control both DNA extraction and PCR amplification. The performance of the qPCR assay was investigated and showed a high efficiency; a limit of detection of 13.0, 10.6, and 10.4 copies per reaction for the targets icd, com1, and IS1111, respectively; and no cross-reactivity with the nontarget organisms tested. Screening for C. burnetii DNA on 29 suspected Q fever-affected farms during the Q fever epidemic in 2008 showed that swabs from dust-accumulating surfaces contained higher levels of C. burnetii DNA than vaginal swabs from goats or sheep. PCR inhibition by coextracted substances was observed in some environmental samples, and 10- or 100-fold dilutions of samples were sufficient to obtain interpretable signals for both the C. burnetii targets and the internal control. The inclusion of an internal control target and three C. burnetii targets in one multiplex qPCR assay showed that complex veterinary and environmental matrices can be screened reliably for the presence of C. burnetii DNA during an outbreak.
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184
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Abstract
To assess Q fever in France, we analyzed data for 1985–2009 from the French National Reference Center. A total of 179,794 serum samples were analyzed; 3,723 patients (one third female patients) had acute Q fever. Yearly distribution of acute Q fever showed a continuous increase. Periodic variations were observed in monthly distribution during January 2000–December 2009; cases peaked during April–September. Q fever was diagnosed more often in patients in southeastern France, where our laboratory is situated, than in other areas. Reevaluation of the current positive predictive value of serologic analysis for endocarditis was performed. We propose a change in the phase I (virulent bacteria) immunoglobulin G cutoff titer to >1,600. Annual incidences of acute Q fever and endocarditis were 2.5/100,000 persons and 0.1/100,000 persons, respectively. Cases and outbreaks of Q fever have increased in France.
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185
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Q fever seroprevalence in metropolitan samples is similar to rural/remote samples in Queensland, Australia. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 30:1287-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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186
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King LA, Goirand L, Tissot-Dupont H, Giunta B, Giraud C, Colardelle C, Duquesne V, Rousset E, Aubert M, Thiéry R, Calatayud L, Daurat G, Hocqueloux L, Cicchelero V, Golliot F, de Valk H. Outbreak of Q fever, Florac, Southern France, Spring 2007. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:341-7. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A. King
- Regional Epidemiology Unit Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, France
- European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (Epiet), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laurence Goirand
- Regional Epidemiology Unit Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, France
- French Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training (Profet), Saint Maurice, France
| | | | - Bruno Giunta
- Departmental Office of Health and Social Affairs, Lozère, France
| | - Christine Giraud
- Departmental Office of Health and Social Affairs, Lozère, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gérald Daurat
- Regional Office of Health and Social Affairs, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Franck Golliot
- Regional Epidemiology Unit Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, France
| | - Henriette de Valk
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, Saint-Maurice, France
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187
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Guatteo R, Seegers H, Taurel AF, Joly A, Beaudeau F. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in domestic ruminants: A critical review. Vet Microbiol 2011; 149:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2010] [Revised: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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188
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Stuen S, Longbottom D. Treatment and control of chlamydial and rickettsial infections in sheep and goats. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2011; 27:213-233. [PMID: 21215905 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2010.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminants are susceptible to several chlamydial and rickettsial infections. Some of them, such as Ehrlichia ruminantium, have a great impact on the sheep and goat industry while others, such as Coxiella burnetii, are important zoonotic agents. This review focuses on measures of treatment and control for the following organisms: Chlamydophila abortus (formerly Chlamydia psittaci immunotype 1), Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Ehrlichia ruminantium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Kyrkjevegen 332/334, N-4325 Sandnes, Norway.
| | - David Longbottom
- Pentlands Science Park, Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland, EH26 0PZ, UK
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189
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Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, replicates within trophoblasts and induces a unique transcriptional response. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15315. [PMID: 21179488 PMCID: PMC3001886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium typically found in myeloid cells. The infection is a source of severe obstetrical complications in humans and cattle and can undergo chronic evolution in a minority of pregnant women. Because C. burnetii is found in the placentas of aborted fetuses, we investigated the possibility that it could infect trophoblasts. Here, we show that C. burnetii infected and replicated in BeWo trophoblasts within phagolysosomes. Using pangenomic microarrays, we found that C. burnetii induced a specific transcriptomic program. This program was associated with the modulation of inflammatory responses that were shared with inflammatory agonists, such as TNF, and more specific responses involving genes related to pregnancy development, including EGR-1 and NDGR1. In addition, C. burnetii stimulated gene networks organized around the IL-6 and IL-13 pathways, which both modulate STAT3. Taken together, these results revealed that trophoblasts represent a protective niche for C. burnetii. The activation program induced by C. burnetii in trophoblasts may allow bacterial replication but seems unable to interfere with the development of normal pregnancy. Such pathophysiologocal processes should require the activation of immune placental cells associated with trophoblasts.
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190
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First Seropositive Cases of Coxiella burnetii in Red Deer Populations in the Southwest Iberian Peninsula. J Zoo Wildl Med 2010; 41:468-73. [DOI: 10.1638/2009-0225.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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191
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192
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Kinetics of Coxiella burnetii excretion in a commercial dairy sheep flock after treatment with oxytetracycline. Vet J 2010; 184:172-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2008] [Revised: 01/09/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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193
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Schimmer B, Ter Schegget R, Wegdam M, Züchner L, de Bruin A, Schneeberger PM, Veenstra T, Vellema P, van der Hoek W. The use of a geographic information system to identify a dairy goat farm as the most likely source of an urban Q-fever outbreak. BMC Infect Dis 2010; 10:69. [PMID: 20230650 PMCID: PMC2848044 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-10-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A Q-fever outbreak occurred in an urban area in the south of the Netherlands in May 2008. The distribution and timing of cases suggested a common source. We studied the spatial relationship between the residence locations of human cases and nearby small ruminant farms, of which one dairy goat farm had experienced abortions due to Q-fever since mid April 2008. A generic geographic information system (GIS) was used to develop a method for source detection in the still evolving major epidemic of Q-fever in the Netherlands. Methods All notified Q-fever cases in the area were interviewed. Postal codes of cases and of small ruminant farms (size >40 animals) located within 5 kilometres of the cluster area were geo-referenced as point locations in a GIS-model. For each farm, attack rates and relative risks were calculated for 5 concentric zones adding 1 kilometre at a time, using the 5-10 kilometres zone as reference. These data were linked to the results of veterinary investigations. Results Persons living within 2 kilometres of an affected dairy goat farm (>400 animals) had a much higher risk for Q-fever than those living more than 5 kilometres away (Relative risk 31.1 [95% CI 16.4-59.1]). Conclusions The study supported the hypothesis that a single dairy goat farm was the source of the human outbreak. GIS-based attack rate analysis is a promising tool for source detection in outbreaks of human Q-fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schimmer
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, A van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Seroprevalence of Q fever in a district located in the west Black Sea region of Turkey. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2010; 29:465-9. [PMID: 20195671 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-010-0885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. In Turkey, it has been reported from the late 1940s that Q fever is endemic in humans and animals. Our objective was to evaluate the seroprevalence in Samsun Tekkeköy (north Turkey), where an outbreak of Q fever occurred in 2002. In this cross-sectional study, subjects were selected by the random proportional sampling method. All subjects were healthy with no specific symptoms and tested by the microimmunofluorescent antibody test. In total, we tested 407 subjects; 33 (8.1%) of them were identified as past evidence of infection and 22 (5.4%) were considered as evolutive form of Q fever (17 acute and five chronic forms). The seroprevalence was significantly higher among people over 30 years of age, hunters, and slaughters than the others (p = 0.001, p = 0.034, and p = 0.006, respectively). We found 13.5% seropositivity among healthy subjects, confirming that Q fever is prevalent in our region and is often asymptomatic.
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195
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196
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Ruiz-Fons F, Astobiza I, Barandika JF, Hurtado A, Atxaerandio R, Juste RA, García-Pérez AL. Seroepidemiological study of Q fever in domestic ruminants in semi-extensive grazing systems. BMC Vet Res 2010; 6:3. [PMID: 20089188 PMCID: PMC2831013 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Q 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. Results ELISA 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. Conclusions Results 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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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- NEIKER- Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Department of Animal Health, Bizkaia, Spain
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Carcopino X, Raoult D, Bretelle F, Boubli L, Stein A. Q Fever during pregnancy: a cause of poor fetal and maternal outcome. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1166:79-89. [PMID: 19538266 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Q fever may be present as an acute or a chronic infection and can be reactivated during subsequent pregnancies. Although its exact prevalence remains unknown, it is likely that the number of cases of Q fever in pregnant women is underestimated. During pregnancy, the illness is likely to be asymptomatic, and diagnosis is based on serology. Acute infection results in appearance of IgM and IgG antibodies mainly directed against the avirulent form of C. burnetii (phase II). Chronic Q fever results in particularly high level of IgG and IgA antibodies directed against both virulent (phase I) and avirulent (phase II) forms of the bacterium. Q fever may result in adverse pregnancy outcome, including spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, oligoamnios, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and premature delivery. Obstetric complications occur significantly more often as C. burnetii infects the patient at an early stage of her pregnancy. Occurrence of IUFD is correlated with the presence of placental infection by C. burnetii and might be the consequence of direct infection of the fetus. The mother is exposed to the risk of chronic Q fever and endocarditis with potential fatal evolution. Long-term cotrimoxazole therapy prevents from placental infection, IUFD, and maternal chronic Q fever. Such treatment should be used to treat pregnant women with Q fever. Women with previous history of Q fever should have a regular serological follow up. Obstetricians' knowledge about Q fever must be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Carcopino
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Hôpital Nord, Chemin des Bourrely, 13915 Cedex 20, Marseille, France.
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200
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Climat, environnement et infections respiratoires. Med Mal Infect 2009; 39:200-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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