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Bauer BU, Peters M, Herms TL, Runge M, Wohlsein P, Jensen TK, Ganter M. Detection of Coxiella burnetii in the mammary gland of a dairy goat. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1341-1352. [PMID: 38236458 PMCID: PMC11147866 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10233-8] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii can be excreted by infected goats through birth products and milk. The detection of C. burnetii DNA in the mammary gland tissue of infected dairy goats and intermittent milk shedders has been reported, but confirmation of C. burnetii bacteria in the udder remained pending. The pathogen caused abortions in a 152-head dairy goat herd, resulting in the vaccination against C. burnetii of the entire herd with annual boosters. To monitor the C. burnetii shedding at herd level, monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were analyzed using PCR (IS1111). Despite vaccination, C. burnetii DNA was detected in BTM samples within the first 16 months of the study. Therefore, individual milk samples were tested on four different occasions several months apart to identify potential intermittent milk shedders. Only one goat (#67455) tested positive three times. This goat was necropsied to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in the udder and other organs. PCR detected C. burnetii DNA solely in both mammary glands and the left teat cistern. Immunohistological examination identified C. burnetii antigen in mammary gland tissue, confirmed by the detection of C. burnetii bacteria in the mammary epithelial cells using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The removal of goat #67455 led to negative BTM samples until the end of the study. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of C. burnetii in the mammary gland of a naturally infected and vaccinated goat. The presence possibly contributed to intermittent milk shedding of goat #67455, and the mammary gland tissue may serve as a replicative niche for C. burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ulrich Bauer
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover, 30173, Germany.
| | - Martin Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Zur Taubeneiche 10-12, Arnsberg, 59821, Germany
| | - T Louise Herms
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, Hannover, 30173, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, Hannover, 30173, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, 30559, Germany
| | - Tim K Jensen
- Center for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Henrik Dams Allé, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, Frederiksberg C, 1870, Denmark
| | - Martin Ganter
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover, 30173, Germany
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Böttcher J, Alex M, Dänicke S, Gethmann J, Mertens-Scholz K, Janowetz B. Susceptibility, Immunity, and Persistent Infection Drive Endemic Cycles of Coxiellosis on Dairy Farms. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1056. [PMID: 38612295 PMCID: PMC11011148 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Coxiella (C.) burnetii, a zoonotic bacterium, is prevalent in dairy farms. Some cows develop a persistent infection and shed C. burnetii into milk and occasionally by amniotic fluid at calving. Serological diagnosis of Q fever in humans is performed by phase (Ph)-specific antibody tests; PhII antibodies usually indicate an acute infection, while the development of a chronic infection is characterised by elevated PhI antibody titres. Phase-specific tests have now been established for diagnosis of coxiellosis in cattle. Additionally, an interferon-γ (IFN-γ) recall assay has been implemented to assess cellular immunity to C. burnetii in cattle. Milk samples from all lactating cows (n = 2718) of 49 Bavarian dairy farms were collected through a convenience sample and analysed for phase-specific antibodies. Antibody profiles were evaluated by age. Based on the seropositivity of first-lactation cows, three distinct herd profiles were observed: an 'acute' state of herd infection was characterised by a PhI-/PhII+ pattern. The detection of PhI antibodies (PhI+/PhII+) characterised the 'chronic' state, and seronegative results defined the 'silent' state of herd infection. If antibodies had not been detected in multiparous cows, the herd was considered as probably free of coxiellosis. The analysed cattle herds were noted to have an 'acute' (n = 12, 24.5%), 'chronic' (n = 18, 36.8%), or 'silent' state of herd infection (n = 16, 32.6%). Only three farms (6.1%) were classified as 'free' of C. burnetii. The detection of these herd states over a time period of 4 years in one farm indicated that the described states occur in a cyclical manner. Frequently, a wave-like profile was seen, i.e., a circumscribed seronegative age group was flanked by seropositive age groups. In seronegative animals, IFN-γ reactivity was demonstrated. Seroconversion after vaccination was observed by day 7 post-vaccination in chronically infected herds, whereas in the case of silent infection, it started by day 14. These data indicated a pre-existing immunity in seronegative animals in chronically infected herds. Additionally, IFN-γ reactivity was detected in seronegative calves (>3 months) and heifers from chronically infected farms compared to a negative farm. An infection prior to 3 months of age resulted in cellular immunity in the absence of detectable antibodies. An infection around calving would explain this. The aforementioned circumscribed seronegative age groups are, therefore, explained by an infection early in life during active shedding at calving. Based on these results, an endemic cycle of coxiellosis is proposed: Susceptible young heifers get infected by persistently infected cows. Subsequently, shedding of C. burnetii at calving results in infection and then in cellular immunity in offspring. When these calves enter the cow herd two years later, a maximum of herd immunity is achieved, shedding ceases, and new susceptible animals are raised. In an acutely infected dairy farm, the PhI+/PhII+ serological pattern prevailed in second-lactation cows. In this study, stored sera collected since birth were analysed retrospectively. From the earliest seroconversion, the peak of seroconversion took about 33 months. These data suggested a slow spread of infection within herds. The classification of dairy cow herds is a promising basis for further analysis of the clinical impact of coxiellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Böttcher
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Michaela Alex
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
| | - Sven Dänicke
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 37, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Jörn Gethmann
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Katja Mertens-Scholz
- Institute for Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Naumburger Straße 96a, D-07743 Jena, Germany;
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control and Center for Sepsis Care and Control (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Britta Janowetz
- Bavarian Animal Health Service, Senator-Gerauer-Straße 23, D-85586 Poing, Germany; (M.A.); (B.J.)
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Laidoudi Y, Rousset E, Dessimoulie AS, Prigent M, Raptopoulo A, Huteau Q, Chabbert E, Navarro C, Fournier PE, Davoust B. Tracking the Source of Human Q Fever from a Southern French Village: Sentinel Animals and Environmental Reservoir. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041016. [PMID: 37110439 PMCID: PMC10142994 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041016] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, also known as the causal agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic pathogen infecting humans and several animal species. Here, we investigated the epidemiological context of C. burnetii from an area in the Hérault department in southern France, using the One Health paradigm. In total, 13 human cases of Q fever were diagnosed over the last three years in an area comprising four villages. Serological and molecular investigations conducted on the representative animal population, as well as wind data, indicated that some of the recent cases are likely to have originated from a sheepfold, which revealed bacterial contamination and a seroprevalence of 47.6%. However, the clear-cut origin of human cases cannot be ruled out in the absence of molecular data from the patients. Multi-spacer typing based on dual barcoding nanopore sequencing highlighted the occurrence of a new genotype of C. burnetii. In addition, the environmental contamination appeared to be widespread across a perimeter of 6 km due to local wind activity, according to the seroprevalence detected in dogs (12.6%) and horses (8.49%) in the surrounding populations. These findings were helpful in describing the extent of the exposed area and thus supporting the use of dogs and horses as valuable sentinel indicators for monitoring Q fever. The present data clearly highlighted that the epidemiological surveillance of Q fever should be reinforced and improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younes Laidoudi
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Elodie Rousset
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Myriam Prigent
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Alizée Raptopoulo
- ANSES, Laboratoire de Sophia Antipolis, Unité fièvre Q animale, 06902 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Quentin Huteau
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
- Centre National de Référence Rickettsies, Bartonella et Coxiella, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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Sobotta K, Bonkowski K, Heydel C, Henning K, Menge C. Phenotype of Coxiella burnetii Strains of Different Sources and Genotypes in Bovine Mammary Gland Epithelial Cells. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121422. [PMID: 36558755 PMCID: PMC9786247 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of C. burnetii in dairy herds and continuous shedding via milk by chronically infected cows, bovine milk is not recognized as a relevant source of human Q fever. We hypothesized that the bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line PS represents a suitable in vitro model for the identification of C. burnetii-strain-specific virulence properties that may account for this discrepancy. Fifteen C. burnetii strains were selected to represent different host species and multiple loci variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) genotypes (I, II, III and IV). The replication efficiencies of all strains were similar, even though strains of the MLVA-genotype II replicated significantly better than genotype I strains, and bovine and ovine isolates replicated better than caprine ones. Bovine milk isolates replicated with similar efficiencies to isolates from other bovine organs. One sheep isolate (Cb30/14, MLVA type I, isolated from fetal membranes) induced a remarkable up-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α, whereas prototypic strains and bovine milk isolates tended to suppress pro-inflammatory responses. While infection with strain Nine Mile I rendered the cells partially refractory to re-stimulation with E. coli lipopolysaccharide, Cb30/14 exerted a selective suppressive effect which was restricted to IL-6 and TNF-α and spared IL-1β. PS cells support the replication of different strains of C. burnetii and respond in a strain-specific manner, but isolates from bovine milk did not display a common pattern, which distinguishes them from strains identified as a public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Sobotta
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Bonkowski
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Heydel
- Institute for Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus-Liebig-University (JLU), Frankfurter Strasse 85-89, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Henning
- Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Menge
- Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Anastácio S, de Sousa SR, Saavedra MJ, da Silva GJ. Role of Goats in the Epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121703. [PMID: 36552213 PMCID: PMC9774940 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Since its first description in the late 1930s, Q fever has raised many questions. Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent, is a zoonotic pathogen affecting a wide range of hosts. This airborne organism leads to an obligate, intracellular lifecycle, during which it multiplies in the mononuclear cells of the immune system and in the trophoblasts of the placenta in pregnant females. Although some issues about C. burnetii and its pathogenesis in animals remain unclear, over the years, some experimental studies on Q fever have been conducted in goats given their excretion pattern. Goats play an important role in the epidemiology and economics of C. burnetii infections, also being the focus of several epidemiological studies. Additionally, variants of the agent implicated in human long-term disease have been found circulating in goats. The purpose of this review is to summarize the latest research on C. burnetii infection and the role played by goats in the transmission of the infection to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Anastácio
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Sérgio Ramalho de Sousa
- Vasco da Gama Research Centre (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Sciences, Vasco da Gama University School, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes 197 Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria José Saavedra
- Laboratory Medical Microbiology—Antimicrobials, Biocides and Biofilms Unit, Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences and Inov4Agro—Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Jorge da Silva
- Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Health Science Campus, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Eckstein S, Ehmann R, Gritli A, Ben Rhaiem M, Ben Yahia H, Diehl M, Wölfel R, Handrick S, Ben Moussa M, Stoecker K. Viral and Bacterial Zoonotic Agents in Dromedary Camels from Southern Tunisia: A Seroprevalence Study. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040727. [PMID: 35456778 PMCID: PMC9028256 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 clearly demonstrated the potential of zoonotic diseases to cause severe harm to public health. Having limited access to medical care combined with severe underreporting and a lack of active surveillance, Africa carries a high burden of neglected zoonotic diseases. Therefore, the epidemiological monitoring of pathogen circulation is essential. Recently, we found extensive Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) prevalence in free-roaming dromedary camels from southern Tunisia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence, and thus the risk posed to public health, of two additional viral and two bacterial pathogens in Tunisian dromedaries: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. via ELISA. With 73.6% seropositivity, most animals had previously been exposed to the causative agent of Q fever, C. burnetii. Additionally, 7.4% and 1.0% of the dromedaries had antibodies against Brucella and RVFV, respectively, while no evidence was found for the occurrence of FMDV. Our studies revealed considerable immunological evidence of various pathogens within Tunisian dromedary camels. Since these animals have intense contact with humans, they pose a high risk of transmitting serious zoonotic diseases during active infection. The identification of appropriate countermeasures is therefore highly desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Eckstein
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-992692-3990
| | - Rosina Ehmann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Abderraouf Gritli
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Mohamed Ben Rhaiem
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Houcine Ben Yahia
- Veterinary Service, General Directorate of Military Health, Ministry of National Defense, Tunis 1000, Tunisia; (A.G.); (M.B.R.); (H.B.Y.)
| | - Manuel Diehl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Roman Wölfel
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Susann Handrick
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
| | - Mohamed Ben Moussa
- Department of Virology, Military Hospital of Instruction of Tunis, Tunis 1008, Tunisia;
| | - Kilian Stoecker
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), 80937 Munich, Germany; (R.E.); (M.D.); (R.W.); (S.H.); (K.S.)
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