Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydia spp. coinfection in small ruminant abortion in Portugal

Abstract

Sheep and goat farming are still a traditional practice in Portugal. These animals are produced for raw material production and consumption, such as wool and milk. Abortion occurrence is an economic issue for the producer and a health and food safety concern. Chlamydia abortus and Coxiella burnetii are amongst the infectious agents with greater abortive potential. Samples from animals that suffered abortion and suspected to be carriers of Chlamydia spp. or Coxiella burnetii were screened for the presence of these agents by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The main objective was to assess coinfection occurrence in these samples, but also evaluate their presence individually. A total of 73 tissue samples from sheep (n = 29) and goats (n = 44) were collected between 2015 and the first trimester of 2020. There were detected 25 cases of Chlamydia spp. (34.2 %), 11 cases of Coxiella burnetii (15.1 %) and 12 cases of coinfection (16.4 %). At the best of our knowledge, this is the first Portuguese study regarding Coxiella and Chlamydia coinfection in ruminants. Our data revealed a relevant presence of coinfection in small ruminants in Portugal, drawing attention for the importance of taking into account both agents in abortion diagnostic. Further investigation is warranted in order to better support veterinary diagnostic practice.