Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, a cause of infection in humans and several animal species, is transmitted through inhalations and oral route but also tick bites. Its spreading in ruminants has been largely investigated, whereas data about the occurrence of this infection in canine population are scanty. In this retrospective study, blood serum samples of 516 dogs were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect antibodies against C. burnetii; 42 (8.13%) were positive with titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. The highest seroprevalences were detected in dogs aged > 5 years, employed in hunting activity and living in a peri-urban/rural environment. Diagnosis for C. burnetii infection should be always carried out in bitches with reproductive disorders. Moreover, in view of the zoonotic impact of this infection, asymptomatic dogs exposed to ticks’ bites and/or to contact with infected farm animals should be checked, too.
Highlights
IntroductionCoxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative, intracellular obligate bacterium responsible for the infectious disease called Q Fever, which affects domestic and wild animals and humans
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative, intracellular obligate bacterium responsible for the infectious disease called Q Fever, which affects domestic and wild animals and humans.The agent has a widespread geographical distribution; currently, it has not been registered only in New Zealand and Antarctica [1]
Dogs and cats have been suggested to be involved in the Q Fever epidemiology [4,5,6]
Summary
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative, intracellular obligate bacterium responsible for the infectious disease called Q Fever, which affects domestic and wild animals and humans. The agent has a widespread geographical distribution; currently, it has not been registered only in New Zealand and Antarctica [1]. It is largely investigated in domestic ruminants worldwide. An increasing number of other animal species have been reported to shed the bacterium, including domestic mammals, marine mammals, reptiles, and birds [3]. Dogs and cats have been suggested to be involved in the Q Fever epidemiology [4,5,6]
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