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PloS one2016; 11(5); e0156710; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156710

Detection and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-Like Bacteria in Horses in South Korea.

Abstract: Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-like bacteria (CLB) are genetically and ecologically distinct despite some genetic similarities. Furthermore, CLB are exceptionally diverse and widespread in ticks, but rarely detected in domestic animals. Since Coxiella bacteria can be transmitted from infected horses by inhalation or by coming in contact with ticks during activities such as horseback riding, it is necessary to study their prevalence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale nationwide investigation of the prevalence of C. burnetii and CLB among horses reared in South Korea. Of 816 blood samples collected between 2007 and 2013, 11 (1.3%) were identified as C. burnetii by ELISA, and six (0.7%) as CLB by 16S rRNA sequencing. While a sequence from Jeju Island was similar (97.9-100%) to those within clade B, five sequences obtained from the northern region were categorized into a new clade, indicating the sequence diversity of the genus Coxiella. Studies until date had detected CLB only in ticks; here, we describe their detection in mammals. Given their zoonotic potential, strategic monitoring and appropriate control programs for Coxiella species need to be established.
Publication Date: 2016-05-31 PubMed ID: 27244230PubMed Central: PMC4886966DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156710Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This article discusses a large-scale research project investigating the presence of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-like bacteria (CLB) in horses in South Korea, discovering that these bacteria are more prevalent in horses than previously believed, suggesting the need for strategic monitoring and control.

Objective of Research

  • The aim of this research was to conduct a nationwide investigation on the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-like bacteria (CLB) in horses in South Korea.
  • This comes with the awareness that these bacteria have potential zoonotic capabilities, meaning that they could be transmitted from horses to humans either through the air or contact with ticks.

Methodology of Research

  • The researchers collected 816 blood samples from horses over a span of 6 years, between 2007 and 2013.
  • These samples were then analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii and CLB. The detection of C. burnetii was done through an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) while the detection of CLB was performed via 16S rRNA sequencing.

Findings of the Research

  • Out of the 816 blood samples, 11 (or 1.3%) were identified as C. burnetii and 6 (or 0.7%) as CLB.
  • On examining the sequence diversity of the genus Coxiella, a sequence from Jeju Island was found to be similar (with a 97.9-100% match) to those within clade B. However, five sequences from the northern region fell into a new clade, suggesting the diversity of this genus.

Significance of the Research

  • This is the first such large-scale study investigating the prevalence of these particular bacteria in domestic animals, particularly horses. Earlier studies had only detected CLB in ticks.
  • The research not only expands the understanding of the ecological divergence of C. burnetii and CLB, but also underscores their potential zoonotic threats.
  • The findings suggest the need for strategic monitoring and proper control programs in order to manage the presence of Coxiella species, highlighting a significant concern for public health.

Cite This Article

APA
Seo MG, Lee SH, VanBik D, Ouh IO, Yun SH, Choi E, Park YS, Lee SE, Kim JW, Cho GJ, Kwon OD, Kwak D. (2016). Detection and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella-Like Bacteria in Horses in South Korea. PLoS One, 11(5), e0156710. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156710

Publication

ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Pages: e0156710
PII: e0156710

Researcher Affiliations

Seo, Min-Goo
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
  • Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea.
Lee, Seung-Hun
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
VanBik, Dorene
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Ouh, In-Ohk
  • Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea.
Yun, Sun-Hee
  • Division of Veterinary Service Lab, Institute of Public Health & Environment, Incheon, South Korea.
Choi, Eunsang
  • Smile Equine Clinic, Busan, South Korea.
Park, Yong-Soo
  • Dept. of Horse Industry, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju, South Korea.
Lee, Sang-Eun
  • Division of Malaria & Parasitic Disease, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, South Korea.
Kim, Jong Wan
  • Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon, South Korea.
Cho, Gil-Jae
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Kwon, Oh-Deog
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Kwak, Dongmi
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
  • Cardiovascular Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Base Sequence
  • Coxiella burnetii / classification
  • Coxiella burnetii / genetics
  • Coxiella burnetii / immunology
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Horses / microbiology
  • Q Fever / epidemiology
  • Q Fever / microbiology
  • Q Fever / transmission
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / microbiology
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / transmission
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / veterinary

Conflict of Interest Statement

Author EC is employed by the Smile Equine Clinic, which has links with commercial sponsors, however this does not alter the authors' adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

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