C. burnetii infections in cattle and buffaloes and its public health significance

Abstract EN

A total of 184 animals (92 cattle and 92 buffaloes) and 180 persons of different ages were assayed for the occurrence of C.

burnetii using ELISA and PCR, during the period from December 2010 to December 2011 in Ismailia Governorate.

Results of serologic examination confirmed the occurrence of C.

burnetii IgG antibodies in 6 % of animals, with rates of 9.8 % in cattle and 2.2 % in buffaloes.

All the seropositive cases were reported among adult female animals.

On the other hand, the overall seroprevalence rate among the examined humans was 16.1 % with occurrence rate of 13.1 % in apparently healthy persons and 24 % in patients.

Higher C.

burnetii seropositivity was reported among persons having high rate of contact with animals like veterinarians and farmers and among those inhabiting rural areas.

By performing PCR on blood samples of serologically positive and suspected cases of animals (14) and humans (33), and 20 milk samples of serologically examined cattle and buffaloes, all specimens were PCR negative.

The study highlights the role of these ruminant animals as a reservoir of Q fever and they may constitute a source for human infections with C.

burnetii.