Detection of Coxiella burnetii in buffaloes aborted fetuses by IS111 DNA amplification: a preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to evaluate by PCR analyses the presence of Coxiella burnetii infection in fetuses of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the Campania region (Southern Italy). Samples were collected only from aborted fetuses and C. burnetii presence was evaluated by one-tube nested PCR amplification of the IS111 repetitive element. Of the 164 fetuses examined 14 (17.5%) were positive after DNA amplification, showing that C. burnetii occurs in this population of water buffaloes. However, more extensive prevalence studies need to be carried out to define the role of buffaloes as reservoirs for this pathogen and also the role of C. burnetii as an abortive agent in this animal.