First serological evidence of Q fever in large ruminants and its associated risk factors in Punjab, Pakistan

Sci Rep. 2022 Oct 14;12(1):17278. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-21405-y.

Abstract

Coxiellosis, also known as Q fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a gram-negative bacterium that exerts a significant deleterious impact on the productive and reproductive capabilities of livestock, severely effecting the economics of this sector. In this study, 448 sera samples from cattle (n = 224) and buffalo (n = 224) were collected from 112 farms in Pakistan and examined for antibodies against C. burnetii using an indirect ELISA. Ticks were also collected from these animals. Serological analysis revealed a 23.66% and 27.23% seroprevalence of Q fever in cattle and buffalo, respectively. Odds ratio (OR) analysis of the factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity was performed, and a multivariable logistic model identified five main variables associated with the seropositivity for coxiellosis. These were: (i) the absence of acaricide use (OR 5.61; 95% CI 2.97-10.94); (ii) the presence of ticks (OR 3.23; 95% CI 1.87-5.69); (iii) the abortion history during the preceding year on the farm (OR 14.96; 95% CI 8.09-29.34); (iv) the presence of sheep and goats (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.20-5.35); and (v) the absence of a separate parturition area (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.76-5.86). This study provides new insights into the seroprevalence of Q fever in large ruminants across seven studied districts of Punjab, Pakistan, also providing baseline data to inform improved herd management and on-farm practices for the prevention and control of Q fever in large ruminants in the region. Results of this work suggest that further molecular investigation of coxiellosis is warranted to provide a more thorough evaluation of C. burnetii epidemiology in Pakistan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acaricides*
  • Animals
  • Buffaloes
  • Cattle
  • Female
  • Goat Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Goat Diseases* / microbiology
  • Goats
  • Pakistan / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Prevalence
  • Q Fever* / epidemiology
  • Q Fever* / veterinary
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases* / microbiology
  • Ticks*

Substances

  • Acaricides