Ultraviolet C inactivation of Coxiella burnetii for production of a structurally preserved whole cell vaccine antigen.

Q fever, a worldwide-occurring zoonotic disease, can cause economic losses for public and veterinary health systems. Vaccines are not yet available worldwide and currently under development. In this regard, it is important to produce a whole cell antigen, with preserved structural and antigenic properties and free of chemical modifications. Thus, inactivation of Coxiella burnetii with ultraviolet light C (UVC) was evaluated. C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and phase II (NMII) were exposed to decreasing intensities in a time-dependent manner and viability was tested by rescue cultivation in axenic medium or cell culture. Effects on the cell structure were visualized by transmission electron microscopy and antigenicity of UVC-treated NMI was studied by immunization of rabbits. NMI and NMII were inactivated at UVC intensities of 250 µW/cm2 for 5 min or 100 µW/cm2 for 20 min. Reactivation by DNA repair was considered to be unlikely. No morphological changes were observed directly after UVC inactivation by transmission electron microscopy, but severe swelling and membrane degradation of bacteria with increasing severity occurred after 24 and 48 h. Immunization of rabbits resulted in a pronounced antibody response. UVC inactivation of C. burnetii resulted in a structural preserved, safe whole cell antigen and might be useful as antigen for diagnostic purposes or as vaccine candidate.

A case report of Vancomycin in the treatment of Q fever endocarditis.

The patient, a 43-year-old male, was admitted to the hospital with gradually aggravated exertional palpitations and chest tightness over a 2-day period. Upon hospital admission, a cardiac ultrasound revealed aortic valve redundancy, however multiple blood culture investigations came back negative. Blood mNGS was perfected, revealing Coxiella burnetii, and the diagnosis of Q fever (query fever) was established. The temperature and inflammatory indices of the patient were all normal with the treatment of vancomycin before cardiac surgery. But for the potential liver damage of and the Coxiella burnetii was still positive in the anti-phase II IgG titer, the doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine instead of vancomycin were applied for the patient. Despite receiving standardized anti-infective therapy of doxycycline combined with hydroxychloroquine, this patient had fever and increased leukocytes following surgery. After the addition of vancomycin as an anti-infective treatment, the temperature and leukocytes improved quickly. During the treatment of vancomycin, a discovery of liver injury may have resulted. These findings provide new therapy options for future professionals.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle herds using bulk tank milk analysis in Kabylia area, north Algeria.

Coxiella burnetii, or Q fever agent, has notable implications for human and livestock health. Infections in cattle primarily manifest through reproductive issues where infected animals shed the bacterium in birth fluids, placental tissues, and milk, serving as potential sources of transmission. Bovine herds become reservoirs, contributing to the environmental contamination of farming areas. Comprehensive studies on the prevalence, transmission routes, and associated risk factors among cattle contribute to the development of effective control strategies, ultimately safeguarding both livestock and public health.Here we determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies against in dairy cattle farms from Kabylia (northern Algeria) and identify the associated risk factors. Bulk tank milk samples from 184 farms were analyzed by indirect ELISA technique, 49 of them were tested positive which corresponds to a prevalence rate of 26.63% (95% CI 20.25-33.01%). Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that the risk factors associated with detection of anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies are: cohabitation of cattle with small ruminants(OR = 3.74 95% CI [1.41-8.92]), exposure to prevailing winds (OR = 5.12 95% CI [2.11-13.45]), and the veterinarian visits frequency(OR = 5.67 95% CI [2.55-13.60]). These findings underscore the susceptibility of dairy cattle to Q fever in the Kabylia region, highlighting practices that pose risks. We recommend the implementation of hygienic measures and adherence to proper farming conditions to mitigate the transmission of Q fever and reduce the associated zoonotic risk.

The integration of Coxiella burnetii PCR testing in serum into the diagnostic algorithm of suspected acute Q fever in an endemic setting.

Serum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA has been suggested for rapid Q fever diagnosis. We evaluated the role of PCR testing in serum in the diagnosis of acute Q fever in an endemic setting. We examined patients suspected of acute Q fever tested for C. burnetii-specific serum real-time PCR in a tertiary hospital between January 2019 toand December 2022. In the first half, PCR orders were consultation-based by infectious diseases specialists, while in the second half, they were guided by serology, positive IgM2, and negative IgG1 and IgG2, indicating early acute infection. Logistic regression analyzed independent predictors for positive PCR. PCR positivity rates were calculated using various clinical criteria in the diagnostic algorithm. Out of 272 patients, 13 (4.8%) tested positive and 130 exhibited serologically suspected early infection. Presentation during April-July and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 3× upper normal limit (UNL) were independently associated with positive PCR with an odds ratio (OR) = 15.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58-142.46], P = 0.018 and OR = 55.44 [95% CI, 6.16-498.69], P < 0.001, respectively. PCR positivity rate was 8.5% in serologically suspected early infection vs 1.4% in other serology, yielding OR = 6.4 [95% CI, 1.4-29.7], P = 0.009. Adding AST > 3× UNL increased OR to 49.5 [95% CI, 5.9-408.7], P ≤ 0.001 reducing required PCR tests for a single acute Q fever case from 11.8 to 3. Elevated AST in serologically suspected early Q fever is proposed to be used in a diagnostic stewardship algorithm integrating PCR in serum in an endemic setting. IMPORTANCE: Our study suggests in a diagnostic stewardship approach the integration of molecular testing (Coxiella burnetii targeted PCR) for the diagnosis of acute Q fever in a reliable time in the endemic setting. Integrating PCR detecting Coxiella burnetii in serum in routine testing of suspected early acute Q fever based on serology result increased the PCR positivity rate significantly. Adding increased transaminases optimizes PCR utility which is highly requested particularly in endemic areas.

STING dependent BAX-IRF3 signaling results in apoptosis during late-stage Coxiella burnetii infection.

STING (STimulator of Interferon Genes) is a cytosolic sensor for cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) and initiates an innate immune response upon binding to CDNs. Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. The ability of C. burnetii to inhibit host cell death is a critical factor in disease development. Previous studies have shown that C. burnetii inhibits host cell apoptosis at early stages of infection. However, during the late-stages of infection, there is host cell lysis resulting in the release of bacteria to infect bystander cells. Thus, we investigated the role of STING during late-stages of C. burnetii infection and examined STING's impact on host cell death. We show that the loss of STING results in higher bacterial loads and abrogates IFNß and IL6 induction at 12 days post-infection. The absence of STING during C. burnetii infection significantly reduces apoptosis through decreased caspase-8 and -3 activation. During infection, STING activates IRF3 which interacts with BAX. BAX then translocates to the mitochondria, which is followed by mitochondrial membrane depolarization. This results in increased cytosolic mtDNA in a STING-dependent manner. The presence of increased cytosolic mtDNA results in greater cytosolic 2'-3' cGAMP, creating a positive feedback loop and leading to further increases in STING activation and its downstream signaling. Taken together, we show that STING signaling is critical for BAX-IRF3-mediated mitochondria-induced apoptosis during late-stage C. burnetii infection.

Occupational exposure to Coxiella burnetii during cardiac surgery: A case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of exposure to Coxiella burnetii in a surgical nurse who underwent an injury of her finger with a scalpel blade during a native aortic valve replacement with a bio-prosthetic cardiac valve conducted on a patient suffering from C. burnetii aortic endocarditis. Given the positivity of C. burnetii culture and PCR from the patient's aortic valve, she was prescribed prophylactic doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 10 days. Q fever is an occupational zoonosis resulting usually of exposure to infected animals by inhalation of infected aerosols or consumption of contaminated raw milk. Apart from materno-foetal transmission, about 180 cases of human-to-human C. burnetii transmission have been published from 1949 to today, including transmission by blood transfusion, sexual relations, transmission in the healthcare setting to staff, patient attendants and other patients that were likely infected from inhalation of aerosol from respiratory or placental products, transmission to staff during autopsies of patients with Q fever and transmission in familial settings. As C. burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium, that may cause infection with a low inoculum, it should be added to the list of organisms which may be of concern following blood exposure among healthcare professionals.

Risk factors associated with Coxiella burnetii in wild boars: A study in South Korea.

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease Q fever. Wild boars serve as reservoirs for C. burnetii. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with C. burnetii infection in wild boars. We analyzed the data from 975 wild boar samples collected from June to November 2021 in South Korea. We utilized the indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. A sample optical density to positive-control optical density value exceeding 50% was classified as positive. We gathered data on the forestation, terrain, weather, agriculture, and animal density of the region where the samples were collected. Continuous variables were categorized into tertiles. We performed a univariate logistic regression analysis and included variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the final multivariable logistic regression model. In our multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars, we used a forward selection method to enter variables based on the order of their significance. We performed the final multivariable logistic regression analyses using either continuous variables or variables categorized into tertiles. The prevalence of C. burnetii was 14.6% (n=142). Locations with the highest maximum wind speeds (3.92-8.24 m/s) showed a 59% increase in infection odds compared to locations with the lowest speeds (1.45-3.25 m/s)(p=0.044). For each 1 m/s increase in maximum wind speed, infection odds increased by 24.1% (p=0.037). Regions with the highest percentage of paddy fields per area (8.3-45%) showed a 76% increase in infection odds compared to regions with the lowest percentage (0-1.5%)(p=0.011). For each 1% increase in the proportion of paddy fields per area, infection odds increased by 3.3% (p=0.003). High maximum wind speed and a high percentage of paddy field were identified as significant risk factors for C. burnetii infection in wild boars.

Coxiella Burnetii Endocarditis In A Patient With Mycotic Cerebral Aneurysms.

Q fever is an ubiquitous zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular bacterium that can produce acute or chronic infections in humans. These forms are characterized by different evolution, serological profile and treatment that must be very long to achieve a cure in chronic forms. However, the serological profile for diagnosis and the real value of serology for predicting outcome are controversial, and management dilemmas for many patients with Q fever infection are continuously emerging. In this case report, we present a 20-year-old man from Nicaragua who worked as a farmer with a culture-negative infective endocarditis who presented with a mycotic aneurysm. The present report reviews the clinical presentation and diagnosis of Q fever IE.

Molecular examination for Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. infections in Iranian women experiencing spontaneous miscarriage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous miscarriage, a leading health concern globally, often occurs due to various factors, including infections. Among these, Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. While previous research has established a link between infections and spontaneous miscarriage, our study aimed specifically to investigate the presence of these two pathogens in abortion samples from women who experienced spontaneous miscarriages in Iran. Our study can add to the existing knowledge by focusing on Iran, a region with a high prevalence of C. burnetii and Brucella spp. As a result, it could provide a better understanding and unique insights into the relationship of these pathogens with spontaneous miscarriages in endemic regions. METHODS: From March 2021 to March 2022, a total of 728 abortion samples (including placenta and cotyledon) were collected from 409 women who had experienced spontaneous miscarriages in the provinces of Tehran, Fars, and West Azerbaijan in Iran. The specimens included 467 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) and 261 fresh frozen samples. After DNA extraction from abortion samples, the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeted a specific fragment of the IS1111 and IS711 elements for molecular identification of C. burnetii and Brucella spp., respectively. Furthermore, the qPCR assay employing specific primers for different species was used to determine the species of Brucella. RESULTS: Among the studied women, 1 out of 409 (0.24%) samples tested positive for Brucella spp., specifically Brucella melitensis. There were no positive specimens for C. burnetii. CONCLUSIONS: Our study contributes to understanding the potential involvement of Brucella species in spontaneous infectious abortion within endemic regions. The identification of B. melitensis in this study highlights the need for further research in this area. However, while our results suggest a relatively low or zero identification of these pathogens in our sample population, this does not rule out the possibility of undetected infections. Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge the limitations of the molecular techniques used (qPCR), which may have potential limitations such as sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, because 64.15% of our samples were FFPE, the sensitivity of the qPCR test may be reduced. These raise concerns about the accuracy of the reported prevalence rates and the potential for false positives or negatives.

Molecular detection and MST genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in ruminants and stray dogs and cats in Northern Algeria.

Aiming at identifying the reservoir and contamination sources of Coxiella burnetii in Northern Algeria, we investigated the molecular presence of the bacterium in 599 samples (blood, placenta, liver, spleen, and uterus) collected from cattle, sheep, dogs and cats. Our qPCR results showed that 15/344 (4.36%) blood samples and six/255 (2.35%) organ specimens were positive for C. burnetii. In cattle, three (4%) blood and liver samples were positive. In sheep, one blood (1.19%) and 3 (8.57%) placenta samples were positive. At the Algiers dog pound, 8 (10%) and 3 (5%) blood samples were qPCR positivein dogs and cats, respectively. In addition, MST genotyping showed that MST 33 was present in cattle and sheep, MST 20 in cattle,andMST 21 in dogs and cats.

Coxiella burnetii infection persistence in a goat herd during seven kidding seasons after an outbreak of abortions: the effect of vaccination.

Coxiella burnetii infection was monitored during seven kidding seasons (2017-2023) in a dairy goat herd that after an outbreak of Q fever abortions was vaccinated with an inactivated phase I vaccine. Due to the high infection rate just after the outbreak, only the replacement stock was vaccinated during the first three kidding seasons, and when the average herd immunity had decreased (fourth kidding season onwards), the whole herd was vaccinated. Vaginal swabs, feces, and milk were analyzed by PCR to monitor infection, and dust and aerosols were analyzed to measure C. burnetii environmental contamination. One year after the onset of the outbreak, a significant reduction in C. burnetii shedding loads was observed, but the percentage of shedding animals remained high until the third kidding season. By the seventh kidding season, no shedders were detected. The bacterial load excreted was significantly lower in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated animals, and in yearlings compared with multiparous. C. burnetii was detected by PCR in aerosols collected inside the animal premises throughout the study period except in the last season; whereas, aerosols collected outdoors tested negative in the last three kidding seasons. Viable C. burnetii was detectable in environmental dust collected inside the barn until the third kidding season following the outbreak. These results indicate that after an outbreak of Q fever, the risk of infection for humans and susceptible animals can remain high for at least three kidding seasons when the number of C. burnetii animal shedders is still high, even when bacterial excretion is low. IMPORTANCE: Q fever is a zoonosis distributed worldwide. Ruminants are the main reservoir, and infection can cause high rates of abortion. After entering a farm, Coxiella burnetii infection can persist in the animal population over several lambing/kidding periods. Once infection is established in a herd, vaccination with the inactivated Phase I vaccine significantly reduces bacterial shedding, but although at low levels, excretion may continue to occur for several lambing/kidding seasons. The time that C. burnetii remains viable in the farm environment after an outbreak of Q fever determines the period when risk of infection is high for the people in close contact. This work showed that this period extends at least three kidding seasons after the outbreak. These results provided valuable information on the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in goat herds and may help to develop guidelines for controlling the disease and reducing infection risk for susceptible people and animals.

The immune response to a Coxiella burnetii vaccine in sheep varies according to their natural pre-exposure.

Q fever in humans is caused by Coxiella (C.) burnetii. In 2008 and 2012, cases of Q fever in humans were linked to an infected flock of approximately 650 ewes. Since 2013 gimmers (G'13, G'14, G'15 etc.) were primary vaccinated (two doses) with an inactivated C.burnetii vaccine without any revaccination. In 2013, 30 ewes were primary vaccinated (A'13). Shedding was annually monitored by qPCR-testing of vaginal and nasal swabs collected at lambing. Animals were tested for Phase I- (PhI) and PhII-antibodies (Ab) and for PhII-specific-interferon-γ (IFN-γ) before and after vaccination. The effect of a revaccination was determined in 2018 and 2023. Groups of randomly selected gimmers primary vaccinated in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and a mixed group of older animals (A'13, G'13 and G'14) were revaccinated once in 2018. The trial was repeated in 2023 on groups primary vaccinated in 2019-2023. Major shedding after the outbreak in 2012 ceased in 2014. Thereafter C.burnetii was only sporadically detected at low-level in 2018, 2021 and 2023. Sheep naturally exposed to C.burnetii during the outbreak in 2012 (A'13, G'13) mounted a strong and complete (PhI, PhII, IFN-γ) recall immune response after vaccination. A serological PhI+/PhII+ pattern dominated after vaccination. In contrast, since 2014 a weaker immune response (PhII-titre, IFN-γ) and a dominance of the PhI-/PhII+ pattern was observed in vaccinated gimmers. The number of serologically non-responding gimmers to vaccination increased to 25.0 % in G'16/G'17 and 40.4 % in G'19/G'20. But revaccination even three (G'15 in 2018) and four (G'19 in 2023) years after primary vaccination resulted in a strong and complete immune response. No difference of the immune response nor to more recently primary vaccinated animals (G'23 in 2023) nor to those animals that were present during the outbreak (A'13/G'13/G'14 in 2018) was observed.

Etiology of Acute Febrile Illnesses in Adults in the Defense Community in French Guiana.

In tropical countries, acute febrile illnesses represent a complex clinical problem for general practitioners. We describe the prevalence of different etiologies of acute febrile illnesses occurring among French service members and their families, excluding children, in general practice in French Guiana. From June 2017 to March 2020, patients with a fever ≥37.8°C with a duration of less than 15 days who sought medical care at the army medical centers in Cayenne and Kourou were prospectively enrolled. Based on clinical presentation, blood, urine, nasopharyngeal, and stool samples were collected for diagnostic testing for viruses, bacteria, and parasites (by direct examination, microscopic examination of blood smears, culture, serology, or polymerase chain reaction), and standardized biological tests were systematically performed. Among 175 patients retained for analysis, fever with nonspecific symptoms was predominant (46.9%), with 10 Plasmodium vivax malaria cases, 8 dengue infections, and 6 cases of Q fever. The second most frequent cause of acute febrile illness was upper respiratory tract infections (32.0%) due to influenza virus (n = 18) or human rhinovirus (n = 10). Among the causes of acute febrile illness in French Guiana, clinicians should first consider arboviruses and malaria, as well as Q fever in cases of elevated C-reactive protein with nonspecific symptoms and influenza in cases of signs and symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Despite an expanded microbiological search, the etiology of 51.4% of acute febrile illnesses remain unknown. Further investigations will be necessary to identify the etiology of acute febrile illnesses, including new pathogens, in French Guiana.

Drosophila melanogaster Sting mediates Coxiella burnetii infection by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species.

The Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of query fever in humans and coxiellosis in livestock. C. burnetii infects a variety of cell types, tissues, and animal species including mammals and arthropods, but there is much left to be understood about the molecular mechanisms at play during infection in distinct species. Human stimulator of interferon genes (STING) induces an innate immune response through the induction of type I interferons (IFNs), and IFN promotes or suppresses C. burnetii replication, depending on tissue type. Drosophila melanogaster contains a functional STING ortholog (Sting) which activates NF-κB signaling and autophagy. Here, we sought to address the role of D. melanogaster Sting during C. burnetii infection to uncover how Sting regulates C. burnetii infection in flies. We show that Sting-null flies exhibit higher mortality and reduced induction of antimicrobial peptides following C. burnetii infection compared to control flies. Additionally, Sting-null flies induce lower levels of oxidative stress genes during infection, but the provision of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) in food rescues Sting-null host survival. Lastly, we find that reactive oxygen species levels during C. burnetii infection are higher in Drosophila S2 cells knocked down for Sting compared to control cells. Our results show that at the host level, NAC provides protection against C. burnetii infection in the absence of Sting, thus establishing a role for Sting in protection against oxidative stress during C. burnetii infection.

Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in domestic goat does in the United States: Prevalence, distribution, and associated risk factors.

Infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii can cause coxiellosis in animals and Q fever in humans. Coxiellosis a consistently underreported infectious disease. The infection can result in reproductive consequences for humans and animals. Ruminants are a reservoir for infection and humans are generally infected via aerosolized secretions, making it a public health concern. Studies of ruminant seroprevalence are generally limited in size and scope. This study determined seroprevalence in a large-scale U.S. population of female goats using serum samples from 7736 does from 24 states. This study identified C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States domestic goat population. Overall, 14.5 % (SE = 2.3) of does were seropositive and 21.0 % (SE = 2.4) of operations had at least 1 seropositive doe. Further, operation demographics and herd management practices associated with seropositivity were as follows: the suspected or confirmed presence of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), caseous lymphadenitis (CL), Johne's disease, or sore mouth in the herd in the previous 3 years, not cleaning or disinfecting the kidding areas or removing aborting does from other does, allowing visitors to access the kidding areas, and a lower percentage of adult goat inventory that were adult bucks or wethers. Furthermore, goat breed was associated with seropositivity. These data show C. burnetii seroprevalence in the United States and identify operation and animal characteristics and management practices associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Together, this information can be used to help limit animal transmission, inform public health measures, and help educate and protect individuals working with goats.

Synthetic Particulate Subunit Vaccines for the Prevention of Q Fever.

Coxiella burnetti is an intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a disease of worldwide importance. Q-VAX® , the approved human Q fever vaccine, is a whole cell vaccine associated with safety concerns. Here a safe particulate subunit vaccine candidate is developed that is ambient-temperature stable and can be cost-effectively manufactured. Endotoxin-free Escherichia coli is bioengineered to efficiently self-assemble biopolymer particles (BPs) that are densely coated with either strings of 18 T-cell epitopes (COX-BP) or two full-length immunodominant antigens (YbgF-BP-Com1) all derived from C. burnetii. BP vaccine candidates are ambient-temperature stable. Safety and immunogenicity are confirmed in mice and guinea pig (GP) models. YbgF-BP-Com1 elicits specific and strong humoral immune responses in GPs with IgG titers that are at least 1 000 times higher than those induced by Q-VAX® . BP vaccine candidates are not reactogenic. After challenge with C. burnetii, YbgF-BP-Com1 vaccine leads to reduced fever responses and pathogen burden in the liver and the induction of proinflammatory cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ inducible protein (IP-10) when compared to negative control groups. These data suggest that YbgF-BP-Com1 induces functional immune responses reducing infection by C. burnetii. Collectively, these findings illustrate the potential of BPs as effective antigen carrier for Q fever vaccine development.

Q fever infection is a preventable risk associated with pet food manufacturing.

OBJECTIVE: This paper highlights the occupational risk of Q fever from exposure to raw animal products in the context of multiple notified Q fever cases from 2020 to 2023 linked to four pet food manufacturing facilities in South-East Queensland, Australia. METHODS: The Queensland Government Notifiable Conditions System was used to identify Q fever cases linked to pet food manufacturing in the Metro North and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service areas of Brisbane, Australia. Data on each case from routine public health follow-up were collected and descriptively analysed. RESULTS: Between 2020 and 2023, 12 confirmed Q fever infections (17% of total cases) were linked to four pet food manufacturing facilities. Eleven cases reported direct or environmental exposure to raw meat and animal products. None were previously vaccinated for Q fever. CONCLUSION: These cases demonstrate the increased risk of Q fever infection as part of the pet food manufacturing process, highlighting an underappreciated preventable occupational risk, which can be mitigated with the use of pre-screening and vaccination of workers. All occupations should conduct workplace-based risk assessments to identify risks such as Q fever to prevent adverse negative health outcomes.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in an Indigenous Population from the Sierra Nevada De Santa Marta, Colombia.

Coxiella burnetii is an underreported zoonotic pathogen in many rural regions globally. We investigated C. burnetii exposure in a remote indigenous tribe residing in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. The high seroprevalence of 35% (95% CI, 27-43%) demonstrates the need for One Health studies to identify risk factors, clinical impact, and potential medical, veterinary, and environmental interventions.

Coxiella burnetii infections from animals and ticks in South Africa: a systematic review.

Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic intracellular bacterium that is widely distributed and affects domestic animals, wildlife, humans and non-mammalian species. This systematic review was aimed at synthesizing research findings on C. burnetii in both domestic and wild animals of South Africa. The systematic review protocol was registered with Open Society Foundations of systematic reviews ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8WS ). PRISMA guidelines were followed to collect and evaluate relevant scientific articles published on C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa. Published articles were sourced from five electronic databases, namely, Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect, EBSCO and Scopus. Results showed 11 eligible studies involving four domestic animals, three wild animals and one ectoparasite species from seven provinces across South Africa. The occurrence of C. burnetii infection was high in Ceratotherium simum (white rhinoceros) (53.9%), medium in sheep (29.0%) and low in pigs (0.9%). Limpopo province (26%) had the most recorded infections followed by KwaZulu-Natal (19%) and Free State (3%) had the least reported occurrence of C. burnetii. The current study discovered that there is scarcity of published research on prevalence and distribution of C. burnetii infecting domestic and wild animals in South Africa, and this is of concern as this bacterium is an important zoonotic pathogen of "One Health" importance.