Coxiella burnetii in small ruminant abortion samples: A molecular study in Southeast Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVESDomestic animals are known as the main reservoir of Coxiella burnetii. This infectious disease is associated with abortions in domestic animals, resulting in substantial economic losses and posing risks to human health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate C. burnetii in abortion samples of small ruminants in southeastern Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODSThis study was conducted in Zarand city, located in Kerman province, between ۲۰۲۰ and ۲۰۲۱. A total of ۵۰ abomasum swab samples were collected from aborted sheep and goat fetuses and analyzed using molecular methods to detect the presence of C. burnetii.RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONThe study's findings revealed that ۲۶% (n: ۱۳) of the collected abortion samples were found to be infected with C. burnetii. Among the positive samples, two samples (۵۰%) belonged to goat abortion samples, while ۱۱ samples (۲۳.۹%) belonged to sheep abortion samples.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights C. burnetii as one of the causative agents of abortion in small ruminants in southeastern Iran. Given the economic impact of this pathogen on livestock and its potential implications for human health in the country, it is crucial to pay close attention to C. burnetii in domestic animals.

کلیدواژه ها:

Coxiella burnetii ، Q fever ، small ruminants ، abortion ، Iran