Serologic and molecular survey of horses to Coxiella burnetii in East of Iran a highly endemic area.

The study investigated instances of Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii infection in horses in a region of Eastern Iran known for being heavily endemic. Both serologic and molecular tests were conducted to detect the infection, revealing a mild potential for horses to serve as reservoirs for the bacteria.

Objectives and Methods of Study

• The primary objective of the research was to detect the presence of C. burnetii, the bacterium causing Q fever, within the horse population in the East of Iran – an area known for high rates of infection.
• The research methods employed included the collection of blood samples and vaginal swabs from horses in the region. These were used for serologic and molecular tests to detect the bacteria.
• A total of 177 blood samples were drawn, and 115 vaginal swabs were taken for the study. The samples were subjected to testing using a commercial ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) kit and a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay.

Findings of Study

• The ELISA test, which screened for anti C.burnetii Ig G antibodies, revealed that 5.64% or 10 out of 177 sera samples tested positive for antibodies.
• The real-time PCR assay, which detected the presence of C. burnetii DNA within vaginal samples, found that 7.82% or 9 out of the 115 horse vaginal samples carried the bacterium.
• The researchers found no significant difference in infection rates between different sexes, age groups, or breeds, indicating that all horses in the region could be susceptible to the bacteria.

Potential Implications of Study

• The findings of this study suggest that horses could potentially serve as minor reservoirs of C. burnetii. This could have significant implications for equine health in the region.
• Despite these findings, further research is needed. As it stands, it is uncertain whether horses could serve as a relevant indicator for the risk of Q fever transmission.