Serological and molecular survey of Q fever in the dog population of the Campania region, southern Italy.

Q fever is a re-emerging zoonosis whose epidemiological cycle in ruminants is well defined, while the role of other species (including pets) is still debated. In this study, the serological and molecular prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a sample of dogs in the Campania region, southern Italy was evaluated. A seroprevalence of 5.97 % (16/268) was observed using a commercial multispecies ELISA, compared to only 2.7 % (5/197) at the molecular level. No risk factors correlated with higher levels of exposure except for the size of the animal (small dogs showed significantly higher seroprevalence). Positive samples were further evaluated for reactivity to phase I and II antigens using IFA and phase-specific ELISAs (for specific IgG detection). Two animals showed antibodies against both phases of infection, suggesting that Coxiella burnetii seroconversion in dogs follows similar dynamics to those observed in ruminants. One of the five samples that showed positive results in real-time PCR was confirmed at the PCR endpoint and showed similarity with other Coxiella spp. strains detected in tick and dog samples when sequenced. In this study, we demonstrated exposure to Coxiella burnetii for different categories of dogs in southern Italy, including pet dogs living indoors. Since reports of transmission of infection from pets to humans have been described in both rural and urban areas, careful surveillance of these species is also necessary. In the lack of additional information, comprehending the risk to humans requires monitoring of wild and domestic animal populations.

Recent progress in glycomics and proteomics of the Q fever bacterium Coxiella burnetii.

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium and causative agent of Q fever. In humans, the disease ranges mostly from a flu-like illness and self-recovering mild pneumonia to severe meningoencephalitis, myocarditis or endocarditis. Recent molecular and biochemical/immunological advances, along with improved instrumentation, have provided unique insight into the host-parasite interrelationship and revealed previously unknown virulence strategies of C. burnetii. Noticeable progress has also been achieved in gaining a better understanding of the role of two major outer membrane components - lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and proteins in the life and immunopathobiology of the bacterium. Detailed glycomic studies have brought indispensable structural and functional information on LPS and its role in pathogenesis and immunity of Q fever. Recent proteomic studies have brought a deeper insight into the pathogen`s physiology, virulence and development and offered new possibilities in the investigation of inter/intra-species variation. This review will focus on advances in glycomics and proteomics of C. burnetii providing information on unique glycan and protein species, which together with other findings in the field, might lead to both a better understanding of this unusual pathogen and improvements in Q fever diagnosis and therapy.