The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland

Abstract Background • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Tran...

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Main Authors: Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska, Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski, Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:BMC Veterinary Research
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04423-y
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author Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski
Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
author_facet Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski
Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
author_sort Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Transmission of the pathogen to other domestic animals, including companion animals, and then to humans has also been observed, highlighting the importance of understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of C. burnetii among companion animals. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for C. burnetii within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban Poland areas and identify possible risk factors for these animals. Results • In total, serum samples from 491 dogs, 427 cats and 93 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in dogs and cats reached 0.61% (3/491; 95% CI: 0.21–1.78) and 0.23% (1/427; 95% CI: 0.04–1.31), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence across species and different subpopulations (age group, gender, exhibited symptoms, or sampling location) were found. All 93 samples from rabbits were negative for anti-C.burnetii antibodies. Conclusions • The seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in dogs and cats were low; however, our results confirm that pet dogs and cats in Poland can be exposed to C. burnetii and may exhibit serological reactions. It has been reported that people who come into contact with secretions and excretions from the reproductive systems of dogs and cats (such as breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary clinic staff) may be at risk of contracting C. burnetii. Based on the findings, it is advised to be particularly cautious, especially when assisting with dogs and cats giving birth. Coxiellosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in these animals. The results indicate that rabbits are probably less important in the circulation of the C. burnetii in the present study. This is the first serological survey of C. burnetii in pet dogs, cats and rabbits in Poland.
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spelling doaj-art-db9692022ce4474b95ecf3956c4fdeef2024-12-08T12:33:51ZengBMCBMC Veterinary Research1746-61482024-12-012011910.1186/s12917-024-04423-yThe first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in PolandHanna Turlewicz-Podbielska0Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski1Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól2Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animals Sciences, Poznań University of Life SciencesDepartment of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animals Sciences, Poznań University of Life SciencesDepartment of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animals Sciences, Poznań University of Life SciencesAbstract Background • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Transmission of the pathogen to other domestic animals, including companion animals, and then to humans has also been observed, highlighting the importance of understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of C. burnetii among companion animals. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for C. burnetii within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban Poland areas and identify possible risk factors for these animals. Results • In total, serum samples from 491 dogs, 427 cats and 93 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in dogs and cats reached 0.61% (3/491; 95% CI: 0.21–1.78) and 0.23% (1/427; 95% CI: 0.04–1.31), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence across species and different subpopulations (age group, gender, exhibited symptoms, or sampling location) were found. All 93 samples from rabbits were negative for anti-C.burnetii antibodies. Conclusions • The seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in dogs and cats were low; however, our results confirm that pet dogs and cats in Poland can be exposed to C. burnetii and may exhibit serological reactions. It has been reported that people who come into contact with secretions and excretions from the reproductive systems of dogs and cats (such as breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary clinic staff) may be at risk of contracting C. burnetii. Based on the findings, it is advised to be particularly cautious, especially when assisting with dogs and cats giving birth. Coxiellosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in these animals. The results indicate that rabbits are probably less important in the circulation of the C. burnetii in the present study. This is the first serological survey of C. burnetii in pet dogs, cats and rabbits in Poland.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04423-yDogCatRabbitQ feverAntibody
spellingShingle Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski
Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
BMC Veterinary Research
Dog
Cat
Rabbit
Q fever
Antibody
title The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
title_full The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
title_fullStr The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
title_full_unstemmed The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
title_short The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland
title_sort first serological survey of c burnetii in domestic animals in poland
topic Dog
Cat
Rabbit
Q fever
Antibody
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04423-y
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