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Pires H, Santos-Silva S, Cruz AVS, Cardoso L, Lopes AP, Pereira MA, Nóbrega C, Mega AC, Santos C, Cruz R, Esteves F, Vala H, Matos AC, Barradas PF, Coelho AC, Mesquita JR. Molecular evidence of sporadic Coxiella burnetii excretion in sheep milk, central Portugal. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:2713-2719. [PMID: 38656656 PMCID: PMC11315700 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10389-x] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of Q fever, a worldwide zoonosis. Cattle, sheep and goats are considered the main reservoirs of the disease. Transmission to humans occurs mainly through the inhalation of infectious aerosols from milk, faeces, urine, and birth products from infected ruminants. In this study, a 2-year longitudinal approach was performed to ascertain the excretion of C. burnetii in bulk tank milk samples of sheep from a mountain plateau in central Portugal, with sampling conducted during the years 2015 and 2016. From a total of 156 bulk tank milk samples tested by qPCR, only one showed to be positive for C. burnetii (1.28% [95%CI: 0.03-6.94]), from 2015, the first year of collection. Bidirectional sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of IS1111 transposase partial region confirmed the presence of C. burnetii DNA. The presence of C. burnetii in raw milk samples highlights the necessity for additional research to determine if raw milk is a potential source for human infection. Animal health surveillance and prevention measures against this zoonotic disease should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Pires
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, 6001-909, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Andreia V S Cruz
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
| | - Maria A Pereira
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, GHTM, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, Lisboa, 1349-008, Portugal
- CERNAS-Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, ESAV, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, 3500-606, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 5001-801, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Mega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 5001-801, Portugal
| | - Carla Santos
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 5001-801, Portugal
| | - Rita Cruz
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4050-091, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, 4050- 600, Portugal
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- CERNAS-Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, ESAV, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, 3500-606, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Viseu, 3504-510, Portugal
- CERNAS-Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, ESAV, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, 3500-606, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 5001-801, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Matos
- Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, 6001-909, Portugal
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, 6001-909, Portugal
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-RURAL), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, 6001- 909, Portugal
| | - Patrícia F Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4050-091, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, 4050- 600, Portugal
- Department of Sciences, CESPU, CRL, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, 5000-801, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal.
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, 4050-091, Portugal.
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, 4050- 600, Portugal.
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Gisbert P, Garcia-Ispierto I, Quintela LA, Guatteo R. Coxiella burnetii and Reproductive Disorders in Cattle: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1313. [PMID: 38731318 PMCID: PMC11083826 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiellosis or Q fever is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. A systematic review using bibliographic research was carried out, and the focus was the relationship between C. burnetii infection and reproductive disorders in cattle [abortion/stillbirth/perinatal morality/weak calves (ASPW complex); retained foetal membranes (RFMs); metritis/endometritis; and infertility/sub-fertility]. The bibliographical search yielded 443 results from databases, but only 61 were deemed eligible. For each disorder, summary tables were prepared, and a scientific evidence score was calculated for each study based on four criteria to help assess the level of evidence for the impact of C. burnetii on the reproductive disorders assessed: type of publication (peer-reviewed or other); type of study (case-control/cohort or other); type of C. burnetii test (direct or indirect); and comparative statistical analysis (yes or no). In addition, summary tables also included information on the study population, country, authors and year of publication, key findings and an assessment of the evidence for an association. For the ASPW complex, RFMs, metritis/endometritis and infertility/sub-fertility, 43, 9, 8 and 19 studies provided data, respectively. On a scale of four, nearly 50% of all study citations had evidence scores of three or four. For ASPW, RFMs and infertility/sub-fertility, there is a significant body of evidence to support a deleterious role for Q fever. In contrast, for metritis/endometritis, the evidence is unclear. It is concluded that there is a substantial need for further research, particularly involving larger animal populations in more controlled settings. To provide more consistency, it is recommended that authors follow more precise definitions of reproductive parameters and more robust diagnostic methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gisbert
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10, Avenue de la Ballastière, CS30126, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Veterinària-Ciència i Producció Animal, Campus ETSEAFIV, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Luis Angel Quintela
- Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
- IBADER, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain
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Diseko LJ, Tsotetsi-Khambule AM, Onyiche TE, Ramatla T, Thekisoe O, Gcebe N. Coxiella burnetii infections from animals and ticks in South Africa: a systematic review. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:19-28. [PMID: 37642820 PMCID: PMC10811037 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10204-z] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic intracellular bacterium that is widely distributed and affects domestic animals, wildlife, humans and non-mammalian species. This systematic review was aimed at synthesizing research findings on C. burnetii in both domestic and wild animals of South Africa. The systematic review protocol was registered with Open Society Foundations of systematic reviews ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8WS ). PRISMA guidelines were followed to collect and evaluate relevant scientific articles published on C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa. Published articles were sourced from five electronic databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect, EBSCO and Scopus. Results showed 11 eligible studies involving four domestic animals, three wild animals and one ectoparasite species from seven provinces across South Africa. The occurrence of C. burnetii infection was high in Ceratotherium simum (white rhinoceros) (53.9%), medium in sheep (29.0%) and low in pigs (0.9%). Limpopo province (26%) had the most recorded infections followed by KwaZulu-Natal (19%) and Free State (3%) had the least reported occurrence of C. burnetii. The current study discovered that there is scarcity of published research on prevalence and distribution of C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa, and this is of concern as this bacterium is an important zoonotic pathogen of "One Health" importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letlhogonolo J Diseko
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Ana M Tsotetsi-Khambule
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, 1709, South Africa
| | - ThankGod E Onyiche
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Tsepo Ramatla
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Nomakorinte Gcebe
- Agricultural Research Council-Bacteriology and Zoonotic Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
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Neare K, Tummeleht L, Lassen B, Viltrop A. Coxiella burnetii Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Estonia. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040819. [PMID: 37110243 PMCID: PMC10142450 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever, a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (CB), is an emerging zoonotic health problem. The prevalence data from potential sources are valuable for assessing the risk to human and animal health. To estimate the prevalence of CB antibodies in Estonian ruminants, pooled milk and serum samples from cattle (Bos taurus) and pooled serum samples from sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) were analyzed. Additionally, bulk tank milk samples (BTM; n = 72) were analyzed for the presence of CB DNA. Questionnaires and herd-level datasets were used to identify the risk factors for exposure using binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of CB-positive dairy cattle herds (27.16%) was significantly higher than that in beef cattle herds (6.67%) and sheep flocks (2.35%). No CB antibodies were detected in the goat flocks. CB DNA was found in 11.36% of the BTM samples. The odds of seropositivity were higher in dairy cattle herds, with an increasing number of cattle in the herd, and with location in southwestern, northeastern and northwestern Estonia. Dairy cattle herds had higher odds of testing positive for CB in BTM if the dairy cows were kept loose and lower odds if the herd was located in northwestern Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kädi Neare
- Chair of Veterinary Biomedicine and Food Hygiene, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Lea Tummeleht
- Chair of Veterinary Biomedicine and Food Hygiene, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Brian Lassen
- Research Group for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Chair of Veterinary Biomedicine and Food Hygiene, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
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Menadi SE, Chisu V, Santucciu C, Di Domenico M, Curini V, Masala G. Serological, Molecular Prevalence and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in Dairy Cattle Herds in Northeastern Algeria. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020040. [PMID: 35202293 PMCID: PMC8874956 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020040] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In Algeria, data on the epidemiology of coxiellosis in cattle are still lacking. In this study, bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 200 randomly selected dairy cattle herds from Setif province of Algeria were analyzed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results highlighted that 37% (95% CI: 30.31–43.69%) and 9% (95% CI: 5.03–12.96%) of BTM samples contained Coxiella burnetii antibodies and DNA, respectively. Based on Cohen’s kappa coefficient, a very low agreement between the ELISA and PCR results was found (k = 0.0849) (95% CI: 0.00–0.189). For a second experiment, 186 whole blood samples of cows from farms with reproduction disorders were analyzed by molecular tools to detect C. burnetii. This study revealed an overall prevalence of 6.98% (95% CI: 3.32–10.65%). All positive samples determined by conventional PCR were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Eleven samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values lower than 35 were selected for genotyping by the multispacer sequence typing (MST) method. The MST12 genotype in BTM samples, the MST32 genotype and a new MST genotype (partial profile) in whole blood samples were identified. Obtained results have allowed us to better understand the epidemiology of bovine coxiellosis in the region of Setif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Eddine Menadi
- Research Laboratory Management of Local Animal Resources, High National Veterinary School “RABIE BOUCHAMA”, Street Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Algiers 16270, Algeria;
| | - Valentina Chisu
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIE Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.S.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Cinzia Santucciu
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIE Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Marco Di Domenico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (V.C.)
| | - Valentina Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.D.D.); (V.C.)
| | - Giovanna Masala
- Zoonotic Pathology and OIE Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, National Reference Center for Echinococcosis (CeNRE), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.S.); (G.M.)
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Vidal S, Kegler K, Greub G, Aeby S, Borel N, Dagleish MP, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Neglected zoonotic agents in cattle abortion: tackling the difficult to grow bacteria. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:373. [PMID: 29197401 PMCID: PMC5712085 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia abortus and Leptospira spp. are difficult to grow bacteria that play a role in bovine abortion, but their diagnosis is hampered by their obligate intracellular lifestyle (C. burnetii, C. abortus) or their lability (Leptospira spp.). Their importance is based on the contagious spread in food-producing animals, but also as zoonotic agents. In Switzerland, first-line routine bacteriological diagnostics in cattle abortions is regulated by national law and includes only basic screening by staining for C. burnetii due to the high costs associated with extended spectrum analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the true occurrence of these zoonotic pathogens in 249 cases of bovine abortion in Switzerland by serology (ELISA for anti-C. burnetii and C. abortus antibodies and microscopic agglutination test for anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies), molecular methods (real-time PCR and sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases), Stamp's modification of the Ziehl-Neelsen (mod-ZN) stain and, upon availability of material, by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS After seroanalysis the prevalence was 15.9% for C. burnetii, 38.5% for C. abortus and 21.4% for Leptospira spp. By real-time PCR 12.1% and 16.9% of the cases were positive for C. burnetii and Chlamydiales, respectively, but only 2.4% were positive for C. burnetii or Chlamydiales by mod-ZN stain. Sequencing of PCR products of Chlamydiales-positive cases revealed C. abortus in 10% of cases and the presence of a mix of Chlamydiales-related bacteria in 5.2% of cases. Pathogenic Leptospira spp. were detected in 5.6% of cases. Inflammatory lesions were present histologically in all available samples which were real-time PCR-positive for Chlamydiales and Leptospira spp. One of 12 real-time PCR-positive cases for C. burnetii was devoid of histological lesions. None of the pathogens could be detected by IHC. CONCLUSION Molecular detection by real-time PCR complemented by histopathological analysis is recommended to improve definitive diagnosis of bovine abortion cases and determine a more accurate prevalence of these zoonotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Aeby
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Borel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, CH – 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark P. Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Edinburgh, Scotland EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Vidal S, Kegler K, Posthaus H, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Amplicon sequencing of bacterial microbiota in abortion material from cattle. Vet Res 2017; 48:64. [PMID: 29017611 PMCID: PMC5633877 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abortions in cattle have a significant economic impact on animal husbandry and require prompt diagnosis for surveillance of epizootic infectious agents. Since most abortions are not epizootic but sporadic with often undetected etiologies, this study examined the bacterial community present in the placenta (PL, n = 32) and fetal abomasal content (AC, n = 49) in 64 cases of bovine abortion by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene. The PL and AC from three fetuses of dams that died from non-infectious reasons were included as controls. All samples were analyzed by bacterial culture, and 17 were examined by histopathology. We observed 922 OTUs overall and 267 taxa at the genus level. No detectable bacterial DNA was present in the control samples. The microbial profiles of the PL and AC differed significantly, both in their composition (PERMANOVA), species richness and Chao-1 (Mann-Whitney test). In both organs, Pseudomonas was the most abundant genus. The combination of NGS and culture identified opportunistic pathogens of interest in placentas with lesions, such as Vibrio metschnikovii, Streptococcus uberis, Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli. In placentas with lesions where culturing was unsuccessful, Pseudomonas and unidentified Aeromonadaceae were identified by NGS displaying high number of reads. Three cases with multiple possible etiologies and placentas presenting lesions were detected by NGS. Amplicon sequencing has the potential to uncover unknown etiological agents. These new insights on cattle abortion extend our focus to previously understudied opportunistic abortive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 1, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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Pimenta L, Alegria N, Anastácio S, Sidi-Boumedine K, da Silva G, Rabiço Â, Simões J. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in Portuguese dairy cattle herds. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014; 47:227-30. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-014-0679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Anastácio S, Tavares N, Carolino N, Sidi-Boumedine K, da Silva G. Serological evidence of exposure to Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goats in central Portugal. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:500-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Agerholm JS. Coxiella burnetii associated reproductive disorders in domestic animals--a critical review. Acta Vet Scand 2013; 55:13. [PMID: 23419216 PMCID: PMC3577508 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-55-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterium Coxiella burnetii has been detected in the fetal membranes, birth fluids and vaginal mucus, as well as in the milk and other excretions of several domestic mammals. The finding of C. burnetii in association with abortion, parturition and in the postpartum period has led to the hypothesis that C. burnetii causes a range of reproductive diseases. This review critically evaluates the scientific basis for this hypothesis in domestic mammals.The review demonstrates a solid evidence for the association between C. burnetii infection and sporadic cases of abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and weak offspring in cattle, sheep and goats. C. burnetii induced in-herd epidemics of this complete expression of reproductive failure have been reported for sheep and goats, but not for cattle. The single entities occur only as part of the complex and not as single events such as generally increased stillbirth rate. Studies show that C. burnetii initially infects the placenta and that subsequent spread to the fetus may occur either haematogenous or by the amniotic-oral route. The consequences for the equine, porcine, canine and feline conceptus remains to the elucidated but that infection of the conceptus may occur is documented for most species. There is no solid evidence to support a hypothesis of C. burnetii causing disorders such as subfertility, endometritis/metritis, or retained fetal membranes in any kind of domestic animal species.There is a strong need to validate non-pathology based methods such as polymerase chain reaction for their use in diagnostic and research in relation to establishing C. burnetii as the cause of abortion and to adapt an appropriate study design and include adequate control animals when linking epidemiological findings to C. burnetii or when evaluating effects of vaccination in production herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørgen S Agerholm
- Section for Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 68, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Santos AS, Tilburg JJ, Botelho A, Barahona MJ, Núncio MS, Nabuurs-Franssen MH, Klaassen CH. Genotypic diversity of clinical Coxiella burnetii isolates from Portugal based on MST and MLVA typing. Int J Med Microbiol 2012; 302:253-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Palmela C, Badura R, Valadas E. Acute Q fever in Portugal. Epidemiological and clinical features of 32 hospitalized patients. Germs 2012; 2:43-59. [PMID: 24432263 DOI: 10.11599/germs.2012.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. The main characteristic of acute Q fever is its clinical polymorphism, usually presenting as a febrile illness with varying degrees of hepatitis and/or pneumonia. Q fever is endemic in Portugal, and it is an obligatory notifiable disease since 1999. However, its epidemiological and clinical characteristics are still incompletely described. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of 32 cases admitted in the Infectious Diseases Department, Santa Maria's University Hospital, from January 2001 to December 2010, in whom acute Q fever was diagnosed by the presence of antibodies to phase II Coxiella burnetii antigens associated with a compatible clinical syndrome. RESULTS Out of the 32 cases recorded, 29 (91%) were male, with a male:female ratio of 9.7:1. Individuals at productive age were mainly affected (88%, n=28, with ages between 25 and 64 years). Clinically, the most common manifestation of acute Q fever was hepatic involvement (84%, n=27), which occurred isolated in 53% (n=17) of the cases. Hepatitis was more severe, presenting with higher values of liver function tests, in patients presenting both pulmonary and hepatic involvement. Additionally, we report one case of myocarditis and another one with neurological involvement. Empiric but appropriate antibiotic therapy was given in 66% (n=21) of the cases. There was a complete recovery in 94% (n=30) of the patients, and one death. We confirmed the sub-notification of this disease in Portugal, with only 47% (n=15) of the cases notified. CONCLUSION In Portugal further studies are needed to confirm our results. From the 32 cases studied, acute Q fever presented more frequently as a febrile disease with hepatic involvement affecting mainly young male individuals. Furthermore, acute Q fever is clearly underdiagnosed and underreported in Portugal, which suggests that an increased awareness of the disease is needed, together with a broader use of serological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Badura
- MD, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases University Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Santa Maria's University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Emília Valadas
- PhD, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases University Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Santa Maria's University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
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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: 1.9] [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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Yang N, Cui X, Qian W, Yu S, Liu Q. Survey of nine abortifacient infectious agents in aborted bovine fetuses from dairy farms in Beijing, China, by PCR. Acta Vet Hung 2012; 60:83-92. [PMID: 22366134 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2012.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abortion in dairy cattle causes considerable economic losses to the dairy industry. Aborted fetuses and samples from the corresponding aborting dams from 12 dairy herds in Beijing were tested for 9 abortifacient infectious pathogens by PCR between 2008 and 2010. From a total of 80 abortion cases collected during this period, infectious agents were detected in 45 (56.3%) cases, 22 (48.9%) of which represented co-infections with two or three infectious agents. The detected pathogens included infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (36.3%) and Neospora caninum (31.3%), followed by bovine viral diarrhoea virus (7.5%), Brucella abortus (6.3%), Tritrichomonas foetus (5%) and Toxoplasma gondii (1.3%). Campylobacter fetus, Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydophila psittaci were not detected in any abortion case. Findings from this study indicated that infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and Neospora caninum were the main potential causes of abortions in Beijing dairy herds, whereas the bacterial pathogens were not, in contrast to reports from other countries. This is the first study to test nine abortifacient infectious agents by PCR at the same time, and it is also the first time to report the involvement of a variety of infectious agents in bovine abortion cases in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yang
- 1 China Agricultural University Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Beijing 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Cui
- 1 China Agricultural University Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Beijing 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Qian
- 1 China Agricultural University Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Beijing 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Yu
- 1 China Agricultural University Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Beijing 100193 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qun Liu
- 1 China Agricultural University Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine Beijing 100193 People’s Republic of China
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Pritchard GC, Smith RP, Errington J, Hannon S, Jones RM, Mearns R. Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in livestock abortion material using PCR. Vet Rec 2011; 169:391. [PMID: 21900261 DOI: 10.1136/vr.d4693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G C Pritchard
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) - Bury St Edmunds, Rougham Hill, Suffolk IP33 2RX, UK.
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