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The first serologic study of Q fever in sheep in Iran

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Abstract

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular microorganism that causes Q fever in humans and animals. In ewes, C. burnetii infections are generally asymptomatic, but they can lead to abortions, stillbirths, and delivery of weak and unviable lambs. Serological assays are suitable for screening herds. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) technique has a high sensitivity and a good specificity. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies among sheep in southeast Iran. A total of 85 serum samples were collected from ten sheep flocks from April to September 2009. Serum samples were tested for Q fever antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA kit. Antibodies were detected in 25 sera (29.42%) of 85 samples. Sixteen female (18.82%) and nine male (10.58%) cases had antibodies specific to C. burnetii. There is significant difference in seropositivity between male and female groups (P < 0.05). This first study of C. burnetii seroprevalence in sheep in southeast Iran has indicated that seropositive animals can be found throughout the country. Further work is now required to characterize the epidemiology of the infection more thoroughly.

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Acknowledgements

This research was financially supported by the research council of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

    Ehsanollah Sakhaee

  2. Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

    Mohammad Khalili

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  1. Ehsanollah Sakhaee
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  2. Mohammad Khalili
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Correspondence to Ehsanollah Sakhaee.

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Sakhaee, E., Khalili, M. The first serologic study of Q fever in sheep in Iran. Trop Anim Health Prod 42, 1561–1564 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9606-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9606-2

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