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Bauer BU, Herms TL, Jahnke R, Ossowski N, Walter MC, Frangoulidis D, Runge M, Ganter M, Knittler MR. Control of Coxiella burnetii shedding in a dairy goat herd by annual offspring vaccination. Vaccine 2024; 42:126125. [PMID: 39025699 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
A Coxiella burnetii vaccination program, targeting only doelings, was introduced on a German goat farm to curb bacterial shedding. In 2018, adults were vaccinated with a C. burnetii Phase I vaccine at three-weeks apart following pathogen diagnosis, with a booster administered six months later due to sustained high shedding. From 2018 to 2021, doelings received two vaccine doses without any further boosters. To assess the program's efficacy, vaginal swabs from up to 40 animals per age group were collected during kidding seasons from 2019 to 2022. Bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were gathered monthly from January 2018 to October 2022 to monitor herd-level shedding. Real-time PCR analysis determined genome equivalents in all three sample types. Serum samples were taken before the initial immunization and during the post-kidding season from up to 40 goats per age group annually from 2018 to 2022. Phase-specific ELISAs determined IgG Phase I and Phase II antibodies. Additionally, two serum samples per age group from 2022 were analyzed using a neutralization assay. A few goats continued shedding small quantities during subsequent kidding seasons. Although positive BTM samples decreased, they displayed an undulating trend. Most age groups exhibited robust IgG Phase I responses and lower IgG Phase II levels post immunization. Mean IgG levels remained elevated until the study ended compared to pre-vaccination levels in most age groups. Additionally, neutralizing antibodies were present regardless of IgG response. Overall, double vaccination induced lasting antibody levels, but did not entirely prevent C. burnetii shedding. The resilience of the observed humoral immune activity requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - T Louise Herms
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Rico Jahnke
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - Nina Ossowski
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mathias C Walter
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany.
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
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Trujillo M, Conan A, Calchi AC, Mertens-Scholz K, Becker A, Gallagher C, Mau A, Marchi S, Machado M, André MR, Chapwanya A, Müller A. Bacterial burden and molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii in shedding pregnant and postpartum ewes from Saint Kitts. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 109:102188. [PMID: 38691873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the bacterial burden and perform molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii during shedding in pregnant (vaginal, mucus and feces) and postpartum (vaginal mucus, feces and milk) ewes from Saint Kitts. Positive IS1111 DNA (n=250) for C. burnetii samples from pregnant (n=87) and postpartum (n=74) Barbados Blackbelly ewes in a previous investigation were used for this study. Vaginal mucus (n=118), feces (n=100), and milk (n=32) positive IS1111 C. burnetii-DNA were analysed by real time qPCR (icd gene). For molecular characterization of C. burnetii, selected (n=10) IS1111 qPCR positive samples were sequenced for fragments of the IS1111 element and the 16 S rRNA gene. nBLAST, phylogenetic and haplotype analyses were performed. Vaginal mucus, feces and milk had estimated equal amounts of bacterial DNA (icd copies), and super spreaders were detected within the fecal samples. C. burnetii haplotypes had moderate to high diversity, were ubiquitous worldwide and similar to previously described in ruminants and ticks and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Trujillo
- Graduate Program, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Anne Conan
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ana Cláudia Calchi
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Anna Becker
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Christa Gallagher
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Alex Mau
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Silvia Marchi
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Marcus Machado
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Clinical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Ananda Müller
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Zendoia II, Barandika JF, Cevidanes A, Hurtado A, García-Pérez AL. Coxiella burnetii infection persistence in a goat herd during seven kidding seasons after an outbreak of abortions: the effect of vaccination. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0220123. [PMID: 38412030 PMCID: PMC10952520 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02201-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii infection was monitored during seven kidding seasons (2017-2023) in a dairy goat herd that after an outbreak of Q fever abortions was vaccinated with an inactivated phase I vaccine. Due to the high infection rate just after the outbreak, only the replacement stock was vaccinated during the first three kidding seasons, and when the average herd immunity had decreased (fourth kidding season onwards), the whole herd was vaccinated. Vaginal swabs, feces, and milk were analyzed by PCR to monitor infection, and dust and aerosols were analyzed to measure C. burnetii environmental contamination. One year after the onset of the outbreak, a significant reduction in C. burnetii shedding loads was observed, but the percentage of shedding animals remained high until the third kidding season. By the seventh kidding season, no shedders were detected. The bacterial load excreted was significantly lower in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated animals, and in yearlings compared with multiparous. C. burnetii was detected by PCR in aerosols collected inside the animal premises throughout the study period except in the last season; whereas, aerosols collected outdoors tested negative in the last three kidding seasons. Viable C. burnetii was detectable in environmental dust collected inside the barn until the third kidding season following the outbreak. These results indicate that after an outbreak of Q fever, the risk of infection for humans and susceptible animals can remain high for at least three kidding seasons when the number of C. burnetii animal shedders is still high, even when bacterial excretion is low. IMPORTANCE Q fever is a zoonosis distributed worldwide. Ruminants are the main reservoir, and infection can cause high rates of abortion. After entering a farm, Coxiella burnetii infection can persist in the animal population over several lambing/kidding periods. Once infection is established in a herd, vaccination with the inactivated Phase I vaccine significantly reduces bacterial shedding, but although at low levels, excretion may continue to occur for several lambing/kidding seasons. The time that C. burnetii remains viable in the farm environment after an outbreak of Q fever determines the period when risk of infection is high for the people in close contact. This work showed that this period extends at least three kidding seasons after the outbreak. These results provided valuable information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in goat herds and may help to develop guidelines for controlling the disease and reducing infection risk for susceptible people and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion I. Zendoia
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesús F. Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Hurtado
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana L. García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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Böttcher J, Bauer BU, Ambros C, Alex M, Domes U, Roth S, Boll K, Korneli M, Bogner KH, Randt A, Janowetz B. The immune response to a Coxiella burnetii vaccine in sheep varies according to their natural pre-exposure. Vaccine 2024; 42:1993-2003. [PMID: 38388237 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Q fever in humans is caused by Coxiella (C.) burnetii. In 2008 and 2012, cases of Q fever in humans were linked to an infected flock of approximately 650 ewes. Since 2013 gimmers (G'13, G'14, G'15 etc.) were primary vaccinated (two doses) with an inactivated C.burnetii vaccine without any revaccination. In 2013, 30 ewes were primary vaccinated (A'13). Shedding was annually monitored by qPCR-testing of vaginal and nasal swabs collected at lambing. Animals were tested for Phase I- (PhI) and PhII-antibodies (Ab) and for PhII-specific-interferon-γ (IFN-γ) before and after vaccination. The effect of a revaccination was determined in 2018 and 2023. Groups of randomly selected gimmers primary vaccinated in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and a mixed group of older animals (A'13, G'13 and G'14) were revaccinated once in 2018. The trial was repeated in 2023 on groups primary vaccinated in 2019-2023. Major shedding after the outbreak in 2012 ceased in 2014. Thereafter C.burnetii was only sporadically detected at low-level in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Sheep naturally exposed to C.burnetii during the outbreak in 2012 (A'13, G'13) mounted a strong and complete (PhI, PhII, IFN-γ) recall immune response after vaccination. A serological PhI+/PhII+ pattern dominated after vaccination. In contrast, since 2014 a weaker immune response (PhII-titre, IFN-γ) and a dominance of the PhI-/PhII+ pattern was observed in vaccinated gimmers. The number of serologically non-responding gimmers to vaccination increased to 25.0 % in G'16/G'17 and 40.4 % in G'19/G'20. But revaccination even three (G'15 in 2018) and four (G'19 in 2023) years after primary vaccination resulted in a strong and complete immune response. No difference of the immune response nor to more recently primary vaccinated animals (G'23 in 2023) nor to those animals that were present during the outbreak (A'13/G'13/G'14 in 2018) was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany.
| | - Benjamin U Bauer
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Christina Ambros
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Michaela Alex
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Ursula Domes
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Sabine Roth
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt, Germany
| | - Kerstin Boll
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Korneli
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Bogner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Randt
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
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Bauer BU, Knittler MR, Andrack J, Berens C, Campe A, Christiansen B, Fasemore AM, Fischer SF, Ganter M, Körner S, Makert GR, Matthiesen S, Mertens-Scholz K, Rinkel S, Runge M, Schulze-Luehrmann J, Ulbert S, Winter F, Frangoulidis D, Lührmann A. Interdisciplinary studies on Coxiella burnetii: From molecular to cellular, to host, to one health research. Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151590. [PMID: 38056089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Q-GAPS (Q fever GermAn interdisciplinary Program for reSearch) consortium was launched in 2017 as a German consortium of more than 20 scientists with exceptional expertise, competence, and substantial knowledge in the field of the Q fever pathogen Coxiella (C.) burnetii. C. burnetii exemplifies as a zoonotic pathogen the challenges of zoonotic disease control and prophylaxis in human, animal, and environmental settings in a One Health approach. An interdisciplinary approach to studying the pathogen is essential to address unresolved questions about the epidemiology, immunology, pathogenesis, surveillance, and control of C. burnetii. In more than five years, Q-GAPS has provided new insights into pathogenicity and interaction with host defense mechanisms. The consortium has also investigated vaccine efficacy and application in animal reservoirs and identified expanded phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of C. burnetii and their epidemiological significance. In addition, conceptual principles for controlling, surveilling, and preventing zoonotic Q fever infections were developed and prepared for specific target groups. All findings have been continuously integrated into a Web-based, interactive, freely accessible knowledge and information platform (www.q-gaps.de), which also contains Q fever guidelines to support public health institutions in controlling and preventing Q fever. In this review, we will summarize our results and show an example of how an interdisciplinary consortium provides knowledge and better tools to control a zoonotic pathogen at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jennifer Andrack
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Berens
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bahne Christiansen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Akinyemi M Fasemore
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany; University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ZB MED - Information Centre for Life Science, Cologne, Germany
| | - Silke F Fischer
- Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg, Ministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit und Integration, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophia Körner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Makert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Immunology, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany
| | - Sven Rinkel
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Schulze-Luehrmann
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Fenja Winter
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, (IBEI), WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany; Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Lührmann
- Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
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Trachsel C, Hirsbrunner G, Herms TL, Runge M, Kiene F, Ganter M, Zanolari P, Bauer BU. Two Years after Coxiella burnetii Detection: Pathogen Shedding and Phase-Specific Antibody Response in Three Dairy Goat Herds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3048. [PMID: 37835654 PMCID: PMC10571745 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection dynamics of Coxiella (C.) burnetii were investigated in three dairy goat herds (A, B, and C) 2 years after the first pathogen detection. A total of 28 and 29 goats from herds A and B, and 35 goats from herd C, were examined. Sera were analyzed on three sampling dates using phase-specific serology. Pathogen shedding was assessed using post-partum vaginal swabs and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust samples from a barn and milking parlor were also collected monthly. These samples were analyzed with PCR (target IS1111). In herd A, individual animals tested seropositive, while vaginal swabs, BTM, and most dust samples tested negative. Herds B and C exhibited high IgG phase I activity, indicating a past infection. In herd B, approximately two-thirds of the goats shed C. burnetii with vaginal mucus, and irregular positive results were obtained from BTM. Herd C had two positive goats based on vaginal swabs, and BTM tested positive once. Dust samples from herds B and C contained C. burnetii DNA, with higher quantities typically found in samples from the milking parlor. This study highlights the different infection dynamics in three unvaccinated dairy goat herds and the potential use of dust samples as a supportive tool to detect C. burnetii at the herd level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Trachsel
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - Gaby Hirsbrunner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - T. Louise Herms
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Frederik Kiene
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (C.T.); (G.H.)
| | - Benjamin U. Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (F.K.); (M.G.); (B.U.B.)
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Bauer BU, Schwecht KM, Jahnke R, Matthiesen S, Ganter M, Knittler MR. Humoral and cellular immune responses in sheep following administration of different doses of an inactivated phase I vaccine against Coxiella burnetii. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00746-6. [PMID: 37357077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
An inactivated Coxiella burnetii Phase I (PhI) vaccine (Coxevac®) is licensed in several European countries for goats and cattle to prevent coxiellosis. The vaccine is also applied to sheep, although detailed information about the ovine immune response and vaccine dose is missing. Eighteen gimmers from a C. burnetii unsuspected flock were randomly divided into three groups of six. Group 1 (Cox1) and 2 (Cox2) were vaccinated twice with 1 ml and 2 ml Coxevac®, respectively, three weeks apart (primary vaccination). The same procedure was applied with Cox3 (2 ml sodium chloride, control group). A third injection (booster) was performed after nine months. Potential side effects were determined by measuring the rectal body temperature and skin thickness at the injection site. Blood samples were collected to detect phase-specific IgM and IgG antibodies and interferon-ɣ (IFN-ɣ) release by immunofluorescence assay and ELISAs, respectively. Moreover, a cell infection neutralization assay determined the appearance of neutralizing sera. Body temperatures increased for one day post vaccination, and the skin swelled only slightly. Regardless of the vaccine volume, immunized sheep reacted first with an IgM and IgG PhII response. Ten weeks after the primary vaccination, IgG PhI antibodies predominated. Boosting eight months after primary vaccination resulted in a robust IgG PhI increase and strong IFN-ɣ response. In the vaccinated animals, the neutralizing effect is more widespread after the administration of 1 ml than after the treatment with 2 ml. In summary, differences between 1 and 2 ml Coxevac® are minor, and a vaccine volume of 1 ml seems to be sufficient. A booster after the primary vaccination is apparently necessary to stimulate the cell-mediated immune response in naïve sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kay M Schwecht
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Rico Jahnke
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany.
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Bauer BU, Schoneberg C, Herms TL, Kleinschmidt S, Runge M, Ganter M. Impact of Coxiella burnetii vaccination on humoral immune response, vaginal shedding, and lamb mortality in naturally pre-infected sheep. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1064763. [PMID: 36601330 PMCID: PMC9807230 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1064763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sheep are considered to be one of the main reservoirs for Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative bacterium with high zoonotic potential. Infected sheep shed tremendous amounts of the pathogen through birth products which caused human Q fever epidemics in several countries. Information about the impact of an inactivated C. burnetii Phase I vaccine on humoral immune response, vaginal shedding, and lamb mortality in naturally pre-infected sheep is scarce. Methods Two identically managed and naturally C. burnetii-infected sheep flocks were examined for two lambing seasons (2019 and 2020). One flock (VAC) received a primary vaccination against Q fever before mating and the second flock served as control (CTR). In each flock, one cohort of 100 ewes was included in follow-up investigations. Serum samples at eight different sampling dates were analyzed by C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to differentiate between the IgG Phase I and II responses. Vaginal swabs were collected within three days after parturition and examined by a C. burnetii real-time PCR (IS1111). Lamb losses were recorded to calculate lamb mortality parameters. Results After primary vaccination, almost all animals from cohort VAC showed a high IgG Phase I response up until the end of the study period. In cohort CTR, the seropositivity rate varied from 35.1% to 66.3%, and the Phase I and Phase II pattern showed an undulating trend with higher IgG Phase II activity during both lambing seasons. The number of vaginal shedders was significantly reduced in cohort VAC compared to cohort CTR during the lambing season in 2019 (p < 0.0167). There was no significant difference of vaginal shedders in 2020. The total lamb losses were low in both cohorts during the two investigated lambing seasons (VAC 2019: 6.8%, 2020: 3.2%; CTR 2019: 1.4%, 2020: 2.7%). Discussion Neither the C. burnetii vaccine nor the C. burnetii infection seem to have an impact on lamb mortality. Taken together, the inactivated C. burnetii Phase I vaccine induced a strong IgG Phase I antibody response in naturally pre-infected sheep. It might also reduce vaginal shedding in the short term but seems to have little beneficial impact on lamb mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany,*Correspondence: Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
| | - Clara Schoneberg
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thea Louise Herms
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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9
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Böttcher J, Bauer BU, Ambros C, Alex M, Domes U, Roth S, Boll K, Korneli M, Bogner KH, Randt A, Janowetz B. Long-term control of Coxiellosis in sheep by annual primary vaccination of gimmers. Vaccine 2022; 40:5197-5206. [PMID: 35914960 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, causes Q fever in humans and Coxiellosis in animals. Ruminants are a primary source of human infection with C.burnetii. In 2013, vaccination was implemented in a sheep flock with 650 ewes associated with two outbreaks of Q fever in humans in 2008 and 2012. Only gimmers (yearlings) received two doses of a commercial C.burnetii phase I whole cell vaccine three weeks apart (primary vaccination) without any revaccination. Vaginal and nasal swabs collected shortly after lambing were tested by qPCR. Additionally, a group of non-vaccinated sentinels was serologically monitored for phase I (PhI), II (PhII) antibodies and for Interferon γ (IFN-γ) after stimulation of whole blood cells with PhII-antigen with and without an IL-10-neutralizing monoclonal antibody. In 2021, 679 sera collected in 2014-2021 were retested retrospectively with three commercial ELISA kits and one batch of an in-house PhI/PhII-ELISA. A low-level shedding of C.burnetii (<103 mean C.burnetii/swab) was observed until 2014. In 2021 C.burnetii was detected in two animals (<103.1C.burnetii/swab), but vaginal swabs collected at two subsequent lambing seasons remained negative. Seroconversion of sentinels was detected until 2017. However, the retrospective analysis of sentinels in 2021 revealed additional single seropositive animals from 2018 to 2021. IFN-γ reactivity was observed during the whole study period; it peaked in 2014 and in 2018 and decreased thereafter. The sporadic detection of C.burnetii and the immune responses of sentinels suggested that a subliminal infection persisted despite vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination of gimmers prevented the development of a major outbreak, it controlled the infection and reduced the risk of human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany.
| | - Benjamin U Bauer
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany; Current address: University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Ambros
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Michaela Alex
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Ursula Domes
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Sabine Roth
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt
| | - Kerstin Boll
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Korneli
- Staatl. Veterinäramt, Landratsamt Main-Spessart, Würzburger Str. 9 a, D-97753 Karlstadt
| | - Karl-Heinz Bogner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Randt
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Animal Health Service, Bavaria, Senator-Gerauer-Str. 23, 85586 Poing, Germany
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10
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Ullah Q, Jamil T, Saqib M, Iqbal M, Neubauer H. Q Fever—A Neglected Zoonosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081530. [PMID: 36013948 PMCID: PMC9416428 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever remains a neglected zoonosis in many developing countries including Pakistan. The causing agent Coxiella (C.) burnetii is resistant to environmental factors (such as drying, heat and many disinfectants), resulting in a long-lasting infection risk for both human and animals. As the infection is usually asymptomatic, it mostly remains undiagnosed in animals until and unless adverse pregnancy outcomes occur in a herd. In humans, the infection leads to severe endocarditis and vascular infection in chronic cases. Limited data are available on molecular epidemiology and evolution of this pathogen, especially in ruminants. Genomic studies will help speculating outbreak relationships in this scenario. Likewise, pathogenesis of C. burnetii needs to be explored by molecular studies. Awareness programs and ensuring pasteurization of the dairy milk before human consumption would help preventing Q fever zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qudrat Ullah
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan 29111, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Tariq Jamil
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (Q.U.); (T.J.); (M.S.)
| | - Mudassar Iqbal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Heinrich Neubauer
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 07743 Jena, Germany;
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11
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Surveillance of Coxiella burnetii Shedding in Three Naturally Infected Dairy Goat Herds after Vaccination, Focusing on Bulk Tank Milk and Dust Swabs. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030102. [PMID: 35324830 PMCID: PMC8950187 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A–C) were monitored after the animals had been vaccinated with an inactivated Coxiella burnetii phase I vaccine. The antibody response was measured before vaccination by serum samples with two C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to characterize the disease status. Shedding was determined by vaginal swabs during three kidding seasons and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust swabs from one windowsill of each barn and from the milking parlors were collected monthly to evaluate the indoor exposure. These samples were analyzed by qPCR. The phase-specific serology revealed an acute Q fever infection in herd A, whereas herds B and C had an ongoing and past infection, respectively. In all three herds, vaginal shedders were present during three kidding seasons. In total, 50%, 69%, and 15% of all collected BTM samples were C. burnetii positive in herds A, B, and C, respectively. Barn dust contained C. burnetii DNA in 71%, 45%, and 50% of examined swabs collected from farms A, B, and C, respectively. The largest number of C. burnetii positive samples was obtained from the milking parlor (A: 91%, B: 72%, C: 73%), indicating a high risk for humans to acquire Q fever during milking activity.
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12
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Rabaza A, Macías-Rioseco M, Fraga M, Uzal FA, Eisler MC, Riet-Correa F, Giannitti F. Coxiella burnetii abortion in a dairy farm selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers and review of Q fever as a bovine abortifacient in South America and a human milk-borne disease. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2511-2520. [PMID: 34405372 PMCID: PMC8578271 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00593-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a highly transmissible intracellular bacterium with a low infective dose that causes Q fever (coxiellosis), a notifiable zoonotic disease distributed worldwide. Livestock are the main source of C. burnetii transmission to humans, which occurs mostly through the aerogenous route. Although C. burnetii is a major abortifacient in small ruminants, it is less frequently diagnosed in aborting cattle. We report a case of C. burnetii abortion in a lactating Holstein cow from a dairy farm producing and selling artisanal cheese directly to consumers in Uruguay, and review the literature on coxiellosis as a bovine abortifacient in South America and as a milk-borne disease. The aborted cow had severe necrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic and intralesional C. burnetii confirmed by immunohistochemistry and PCR. After primo-infection in cattle, C. burnetii remains latent in the lymph nodes and mammary glands, with milk being a significant and persistent excretion route. Viable C. burnetii has been found in unpasteurized milk and cheeses after several months of maturing. The risk of coxiellosis after the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese, is not negligible. This report raises awareness on bovine coxiellosis as a potential food safety problem in on-farm raw cheese manufacturing and sales. The scant publications on abortive coxiellosis in cattle in South America suggest that the condition has probably gone underreported in all countries of this subcontinent except for Uruguay. Therefore, we also discuss the diagnostic criteria for laboratory-based confirmation of C. burnetii abortion in ruminants as a guideline for veterinary diagnosticians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rabaza
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Melissa Macías-Rioseco
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Martín Fraga
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Laboratory, University of California At Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark C Eisler
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Franklin Riet-Correa
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
- Programa de Pós Graduação Em Ciência Animal Nos Trópicos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.
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13
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Bauer BU, Knittler MR, Herms TL, Frangoulidis D, Matthiesen S, Tappe D, Runge M, Ganter M. Multispecies Q Fever Outbreak in a Mixed Dairy Goat and Cattle Farm Based on a New Bovine-Associated Genotype of Coxiella burnetii. Vet Sci 2021; 8:252. [PMID: 34822625 PMCID: PMC8626049 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health concept. Serum samples and vaginal swabs from goats with different reproductive statuses were collected. Cows, cats, and a dog were investigated with the same sample matrix. The farmer's family was examined by serum samples. Ruminant sera were analyzed with two phase-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Dominant immunoglobulin G (IgG) phase II levels reflected current infections in goats. The cows had high IgG phase I and II levels indicating ongoing infections. Feline, canine, and human sera tested positive by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animal vaginal swabs were analyzed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii, and almost all tested positive. A new cattle-associated C. burnetii genotype C16 was identified by the Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) from ruminant samples. Additionally, a possible influence of 17ß-estradiol on C. burnetii antibody response was evaluated in goat sera. Goats in early/mid-pregnancy had significantly lower levels of phase-specific IgGs and 17ß-estradiol than goats in late pregnancy. We conclude that the cattle herd may have transmitted C. burnetii to the pregnant goat herd, resulting in a Q fever outbreak with one acute human case. The influence of placentation and maternal pregnancy hormones during pregnancy on the immune response is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U. Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Michael R. Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany; (M.R.K.); (S.M.)
| | - T. Louise Herms
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany;
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Isle of Riems, Germany; (M.R.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Dennis Tappe
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Bernhard-Nocht-Straße 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (T.L.H.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
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14
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Evaluation using latent class models of the diagnostic performances of three ELISA tests commercialized for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in domestic ruminants. Vet Res 2021; 52:56. [PMID: 33853678 PMCID: PMC8048088 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ELISA methods are the diagnostic tools recommended for the serological diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection in ruminants but their respective diagnostic performances are difficult to assess because of the absence of a gold standard. This study focused on three commercial ELISA tests with the following objectives (1) assess their sensitivity and specificity in sheep, goats and cattle, (2) assess the between- and within-herd seroprevalence distribution in these species, accounting for diagnostic errors, and (3) estimate optimal sample sizes considering sensitivity and specificity at herd level. We comparatively tested 1413 cattle, 1474 goat and 1432 sheep serum samples collected in France. We analyzed the cross-classified test results with a hierarchical zero-inflated beta-binomial latent class model considering each herd as a population and conditional dependence as a fixed effect. Potential biases and coverage probabilities of the model were assessed by simulation. Conditional dependence for truly seropositive animals was high in all species for two of the three ELISA methods. Specificity estimates were high, ranging from 94.8% [92.1; 97.8] to 99.2% [98.5; 99.7], whereas sensitivity estimates were generally low, ranging from 39.3 [30.7; 47.0] to 90.5% [83.3; 93.8]. Between- and within-herd seroprevalence estimates varied greatly among geographic areas and herds. Overall, goats showed higher within-herd seroprevalence levels than sheep and cattle. The optimal sample size maximizing both herd sensitivity and herd specificity varied from 3 to at least 20 animals depending on the test and ruminant species. This study provides better interpretation of three widely used commercial ELISA tests and will make it possible to optimize their implementation in future studies. The methodology developed may likewise be applied to other human or animal diseases.
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15
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Bauer BU, Knittler MR, Prüfer TL, Wolf A, Matthiesen S, Runge M, Ganter M. Humoral immune response to Q fever vaccination of three sheep flocks naturally pre-infected with Coxiella burnetii. Vaccine 2021; 39:1499-1507. [PMID: 33558108 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Qfever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii; Coxiella-infected ruminants are the main reservoir shedding the pathogen during abortion or parturition through birth products. Germany has a long history of small-scale Q fever epidemics in the human population mostly associated with lambing sheep. Therefore, fast and efficient control measures are essentially required to prevent transmission from infected sheep flocks to humans. In our present study, three sheep flocks were vaccinated with an inactivated C.burnetii phase I vaccine after a field infection with C.burnetii was diagnosed. Serum samples and vaginal swabs were collected at different time points to evaluate the extent of the outbreak and the consequences of the vaccination. The serum samples were examined by phase-specific IgG phase I and phase II ELISAs and a commercial ELISA, simultaneously detecting both phase variations. Moreover, vaginal swabs were analysed by qPCR. The fourth flock with no Q fever history and non-vaccinated animals were used as a control group to evaluate the phase-specific ELISAs. The inactivated C.burnetii phase I vaccine induced an IgG phase II response and boosted the humoral immune reaction against natural pre-infections. Furthermore, the longevity of vaccine-induced antibodies seems to depend on previous infections. Around 16 months after primary vaccination, mainly IgG phase I antibodies were detectable. Vaccination did not prevent shedding at the next lambing season. Most interestingly, the phase-specific ELISAs revealed more C.burnetii positive animals than the blended ELISA-Assay. Taken together, phase-specific ELISAs are suitable tools to provide insights into natural- or vaccine-induced humoral immune responses to C.burnetii in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Michael R Knittler
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - T Louise Prüfer
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Wolf
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Svea Matthiesen
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald - Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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16
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Bauer B, Prüfer L, Walter M, Ganter I, Frangoulidis D, Runge M, Ganter M. Comparison of Coxiella burnetii Excretion between Sheep and Goats Naturally Infected with One Cattle-Associated Genotype. Pathogens 2020; 9:E652. [PMID: 32823701 PMCID: PMC7459479 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reservoir of Coxiella (C.) burnetii are ruminants. They shed the pathogen through birth products, vaginal mucus, faeces and milk. A direct comparison of C. burnetii excretions between naturally infected sheep and goats was performed on the same farm to investigate species-specific differences. The animals were vaccinated with an inactivated C. burnetii phase I vaccine at the beginning of the study period for public health reasons. Vaginal and rectal swabs along with milk specimens were taken monthly during the lambing period and once again at the next lambing season. To estimate the environmental contamination of the animals' housings, nasal swabs from every animal were taken simultaneously. Moreover, dust samples from the windowsills and straw beddings were collected. All samples were examined by qPCR targeting the IS1111 gene and the MLVA/VNTR typing method was performed. Whole genome sequencing was applied to determine the number of IS1111 copies followed by a calculation of C. burnetii genome equivalents of each sample. The cattle-associated genotype C7 was detected containing 29 IS1111 copies. Overall, goats seem to shed more C. burnetii through vaginal mucus and in particular shed more and for longer via the rectal route than sheep. This is supported by the larger quantities of C. burnetii DNA detected in caprine nasal swabs and environmental samples compared to the ovine ones. Transmission of C. burnetii from cattle to small ruminants must also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Louise Prüfer
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Mathias Walter
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
| | - Isabel Ganter
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Dimitrios Frangoulidis
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany; (M.W.); (D.F.)
- Bundeswehr Medical Service Headquarters VI-2, Medical Intelligence & Information (MI2), Dachauer Straße 128, 80637 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany; (L.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Forensic Medicine and Ambulatory Service, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
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17
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Barlozzari G, Sala M, Iacoponi F, Volpi C, Polinori N, Rombolà P, Vairo F, Macrì G, Scarpulla M. Cross-sectional serosurvey of Coxiella burnetii in healthy cattle and sheep from extensive grazing system in central Italy. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e9. [PMID: 31957632 PMCID: PMC7019129 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819002115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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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Affiliation(s)
- G. Barlozzari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Iacoponi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Volpi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - N. Polinori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - P. Rombolà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - F. Vairo
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI), National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Macrì
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Scarpulla
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
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Canevari JT, Firestone SM, Vincent G, Campbell A, Tan T, Muleme M, Cameron AWN, Stevenson MA. The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii shedding in dairy goats at the time of parturition in an endemically infected enterprise and associated milk yield losses. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:353. [PMID: 30453951 PMCID: PMC6245909 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This was a panel study of the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in does in an endemic dairy goat enterprise in Victoria, Australia. Our first objective was to determine the prevalence of does shedding C. burnetii at the time of parturition and to quantify the concentration of genome equivalents (GE) present in each C. burnetii positive sample. Our second objective was to determine the proportion of positive does that were persistent shedders. Our final objective was to quantify the association between C. burnetii qPCR status at the time of kidding and daily milk volumes produced during the subsequent lactation. Results Vaginal swabs (n= 490) were collected from does at the time of kidding and analysed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Shedding of C. burnetii was detected in 15% (95% CI: 12% to 18%) of the sampled does. Does were classified as qPCR-negative, qPCR-positive low and qPCR-positive high based on the estimated concentration of GE from the qPCR. Persistent shedding at relatively low concentrations was detected in 20% (95% CI: 10% to35%) of shedding does sampled again at their subsequent parturition. After controlling for possible confounders and adjusting for variation in daily milk yields at the individual doe level, daily milk yields for qPCR-positive high does were reduced by 17% (95% CI: 3% to 32%) compared to qPCR-negative does (p= 0.02). Conclusions Shedding concentrations of C. burnetii were highly skewed, with a relatively small group of does shedding relatively high quantities of C. burnetii. Further, high shedding does had reduced milk yields compared to qPCR-negative does. Early detection and culling of high shedding does would result in increased farm profitability and reduce the risk of Q fever transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- José T Canevari
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia. .,Instituto de Investigación Animal del Chaco Semiárido, INTA, Leales, Tucumán, 4113, Argentina.
| | - Simon M Firestone
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma Vincent
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Ballerine Street, Geelong Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Angus Campbell
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tabita Tan
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael Muleme
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Mark A Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Corner Park Drive and Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria, 3010, Australia
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19
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Plummer PJ, McClure JT, Menzies P, Morley PS, Van den Brom R, Van Metre DC. Management of Coxiella burnetii infection in livestock populations and the associated zoonotic risk: A consensus statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1481-1494. [PMID: 30084178 PMCID: PMC6189356 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Coxiella burnetii, commonly referred to as coxiellosis when occurring in animals and Query fever when occurring in humans, are an important cause of abortions, decreased reproductive efficiency, and subclinical infections in ruminants. The organism also represents an important zoonotic concern associated with its ability to aerosolize easily and its low infectious dose. Available diagnostic tests have limited sensitivity, which combined with the absence of treatment options in animals and limited approaches to prevention, result in difficulty managing this agent for optimal animal health and zoonotic disease outcomes. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide veterinarians and public health officials with a summary of the available information regarding management of C. burnetii infection in livestock populations. A discussion of currently available testing options and their interpretation is provided, along with recommendations on management practices that can be implemented on‐farm in the face of an outbreak to mitigate losses. Emphasis is placed on biosecurity measures that can be considered for minimizing the zoonotic transmission risk in both field and veterinary facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine and the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - J Trenton McClure
- Dpeartment of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward, Canada
| | - Paula Menzies
- Department Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul S Morley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.,Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - David C Van Metre
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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20
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de Cremoux R, Gache K, Rousset E, Sala C, Hosteing S, Nicollet P, Lars F, Guatteo R, Dion F, Calavas D, Bronner A, Perrin JB, Touratier A. A pilot program for clinical Q fever surveillance as a first step for a standardized differential diagnosis of abortions: Organizational lessons applied to goats farms. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Djerbib A, Czaplicki G, Grégoire F, Kirschvink N, Saegerman C, Dal Pozzo F. Exploratory investigation of Q fever in apparently healthy meat sheep flocks in Belgium. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:1117-1121. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Djerbib
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Research Unit for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiège); Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center; University of Liège; Liège Belgium
| | | | - F. Grégoire
- Animal Health Department; ARSIA; Ciney Belgium
| | - N. Kirschvink
- Unit of Integrated Veterinary Research; Department of Veterinary Medicine; University of Namur; Namur Belgium
| | - C. Saegerman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Research Unit for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiège); Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center; University of Liège; Liège Belgium
| | - F. Dal Pozzo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Research Unit for Epidemiology and Risk Analysis applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiège); Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center; University of Liège; Liège Belgium
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22
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23
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Szymańska-Czerwińska M, Niemczuk K, Jodełko A. Evaluation of qPCR and phase I and II antibodies for detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in cattle. Res Vet Sci 2016; 108:68-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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24
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Abstract
Q fever is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution with the exception of New Zealand. It is caused by an intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. The disease often goes underdiagnosed because the main manifestation of its acute form is a general self-limiting flu-like syndrome. The Dutch epidemics renewed attention to this disease, which was less considered before. This review summarizes the description of C. burnetii (taxonomy, intracellular cycle, and genome) and Q fever disease (description, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogenesis). Finally, vaccination in humans and animals is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Boarbi
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - David Fretin
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Marcella Mori
- Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique.,Centre d'étude et de recherches vétérinaires et agrochimiques (CERVA), Direction opérationnelle des maladies bactériennes, Zoonoses bactériennes des animaux de rente, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Bruxelles, Belgique
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25
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Abstract
Zoonoses are infections that spread naturally between species (sometimes by a vector) from animals to other animal species or to humans or from humans to animals. Most of the zoonoses diagnosed in sheep and goats are transmitted by close contact of man with these animals and are, more often, occupational diseases that principally affect breeders, veterinarians and/or slaughterhouse workers. Some other diseases have an airborne transmission and affect the population in the vicinity of sheep/goat farms. Due to the fact that small ruminants are almost the only remaining animals which are migrating in industrialised countries, there is a severe risk for transmitting the diseases. Some other zoonotic diseases are foodborne diseases, which are mainly transmitted from animals to humans and to other animal species by contaminated food and water. Within the last decade central Europe was threatened by some new infections, e.g., bluetongue disease and schmallenberg disease, which although not of zoonotic interest, are caused by pathogens transmitted by vectors. Causal agents of both diseases have found highly effective indigenous vectors. In the future, climate change may possibly modify conditions for the vectors and influence their distribution and competence. By this, other vector-borne zoonotic infections may propagate into former disease free countries. Changes in human behaviour in consummation and processing of food, in animal housing and management may also influence future risks for zoonosis. Monitoring, prevention and control measures are proposed to limit further epidemics and to enable the containment of outbreaks. Measures depend mainly on the damage evoked or anticipated by the disease, the local situation, and the epidemiology of the zoonoses, the presence of the infective agent in wild and other animals, as well as the resistance of the causal microorganisms in the environment and the possibility to breed sheep and goats which are resistant to specific infections. In this review, the clinical signs in animals and humans of the main sheep and goat zoonoses, as well as the transmission route and the control measures are reported. Brucellosis, chlamydophilosis, Q fever, Orf, Rift valley fever and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy are described in greater detail, in order to determine factors that contribute to the choice of the control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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26
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Lucchese L, Capello K, Barberio A, Zuliani F, Stegeman A, Ceglie L, Guerrini E, Marangon S, Natale A. IFAT and ELISA phase I/phase II as tools for the identification of Q fever chronic milk shedders in cattle. Vet Microbiol 2015; 179:102-8. [PMID: 25769644 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Q fever is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. In cattle the bacterial shedding can persist without symptoms for several months and the shedders identification is a critical issue in the control of the infection at herd level. Following the example of the human protocols for the assessment of Q fever infection status, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the antibody response dynamics to phase I and phase II antigens in C. burnetii shedder dairy cows by means of a phase-specific serology, to verify the suitability of the investigated tools in recognising milk shedders. A total of 99 cows were monitored during time and classified on the basis of serological and PCR results in five groups identifying different shedding patterns. The 297 sera collected in three sampling times were tested by means of ELISA IgG for differential phase I and phase II antibodies detection, while a selection of 107 sera were tested by means of phase specific IgM and IgG IFAT. Both ELISA IgG and IFAT IgG highlighted a low reactivity in non-shedder seropositive animals compared to chronic milk shedder animals. ELISA IgG seemed to perform better than IFAT IgG-IgM, showing significant serological differences among groups that allowed recognising specific serological group patterns, in particular for chronic and occasional milk shedders. These results supported the hypothesis that an animal classification based on phase patterns is reasonable, although it needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lucchese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy.
| | - Katia Capello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Antonio Barberio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, V.le Fiume 78, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Federica Zuliani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Arjan Stegeman
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, P.O. Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Letizia Ceglie
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Eulalia Guerrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Stefano Marangon
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
| | - Alda Natale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy
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27
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Serrano-Pérez B, Almería S, Tutusaus J, Jado I, Anda P, Monleón E, Badiola J, Garcia-Ispierto I, López-Gatius F. Coxiella burnetii total immunoglobulin G, phase I and phase II immunoglobulin G antibodies, and bacterial shedding in young dams in persistently infected dairy herds. J Vet Diagn Invest 2015; 27:167-76. [PMID: 25691508 DOI: 10.1177/1040638715571993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study examines Coxiella burnetii infection patterns in young dairy dams around the calving period in persistently infected high-producing dairy herds. Infection patterns were determined in terms of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and phase-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and bacterial shedding by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). On days 171-177 of gestation, at parturition, and on days 15-21 and 91-97 postpartum, 7 first-parity cows and 7 second-parity cows were sampled for serology and qPCR. Total phase-specific I (PhI) and II (PhII) IgG antibodies were detected in 2 animals at days 171-177 of gestation. Four additional animals underwent seroconversion on days 91-97 postpartum. Three of 6 seropositive dams according to total IgG, showed a PhI+/PhII+ profile, whereas dams that seroconverted exhibited a PhI-/PhII+ (2/6) or PhI+/PhII- (1/6) profile. An indirect fluorescent antibody test for PhI and PhII immunoglobulin M (IgM) was performed on plasma samples from the shedding dams, confirming seropositivity in a first-parity dam that seroconverted, and detecting a sudden spike of PhI-IgM antibodies in 1 further dam. No relationship was detected in young C. burnetii-infected animals between total IgG, PhI and/or PhII antibodies, and bacterial shedding throughout the study period. The highest bacterial load measured by qPCR was recorded in a second-parity dam. This animal presented abnormal peripheral blood counts, which would be an indication of severe peripheral blood alterations in some infected cattle. This study suggests that young shedder cows are mostly seronegative in early stages of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Serrano-Pérez
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Sonia Almería
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Joan Tutusaus
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Isabel Jado
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Pedro Anda
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Eva Monleón
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Juan Badiola
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
| | - Fernando López-Gatius
- Centre for Research in Agrotechnology, Animal Production Department, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain (Serrano-Pérez, Tutusaus, Garcia-Ispierto, López-Gatius)Centre for Research on Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain (Almería)Department of Bacteriology, National Microbiology Centre, Carlos III Institute of Health, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain (Jado, Anda)Centre for Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies and Emergent Diseases, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain (Monleón, Badiola)
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