Molecular assessment of Coxiella burnetii in horses in Northwestern Iran.
Abstract: Q fever is a frequently occurring illness that is induced by the bacterium ) that can infect humans and various animals. It targets the macrophage cells in the tissues, and circulating monocytes. Unassigned: This study was conducted between 2022 and 2023 in the West Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces of northwestern Iran to examine the presence infection of . Specimens were obtained by swabbing from 140 mares (70 from each province) and 20 stallions (10 from each province) which were apparently healthy, and their DNA was analyzed using quantitative PCR assay detecting the element of the bacterium. Unassigned: The findings indicated that a mere 0.625% of the examined specimens tested positive for . Among the entire set of specimens, a single female horse from the region of Ardabil was found to be the carrier of the bacterium. Unassigned: This suggested that even though horses may not display any clinical symptoms, they can still harbor and contribute to its transmission. Therefore, the potential contribution of horses to Q fever transmission should be considered.
Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Publication Date: 2025-05-08 PubMed ID: 40337692PubMed Central: PMC12053428DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v17i2.18389Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research focuses on a study conducted in Northwestern Iran, assessing the prevalence of a bacterium known as Coxiella burnetii, responsible for Q fever, in horses. Only a single horse was found to carry the bacterium, suggesting that horses could harbor the infection without showing symptoms.
Study Methodology and Location
- The research was carried out in the West Azerbaijan and Ardabil provinces of northwestern Iran during 2022 and 2023.
- The researchers aimed to examine the presence of Coxiella burnetii infection in horses in these regions.
- Specimens were collected from 140 mares (70 from each province) and 20 stallions (10 from each province), all of which appeared healthy.
Collection and Analysis of Specimens
- Researchers collected the specimens using swabbing techniques from both mares and stallions of the regions.
- Following collection, the DNA of these specimens was scrutinized using a technique referred to as a quantitative PCR assay. The specific focus was on a segment of the Coxiella burnetii bacterium, effectively acting as a marker for its presence.
Results of the Study
- Upon analysis, it was determined that only 0.625% of the specimens were positive for Coxiella burnetii.
- Specifically, only a single mare from the region of Ardabil was found to carry the bacterium.
Implications of the Findings
- The study findings suggest that despite showing no clinical symptoms, horses can carry the Coxiella burnetii bacterium, potentially contributing to the transmission of Q fever.
- As a result, the possible role of horses in transmitting Q fever should be considered in future disease control and prevention measures.
Cite This Article
APA
Hosseinzadeh S, Nofouzi K, Hasanzadeh F, Esmaeili S, Ayen E.
(2025).
Molecular assessment of Coxiella burnetii in horses in Northwestern Iran.
Iran J Microbiol, 17(2), 287-292.
https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v17i2.18389 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
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