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The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii
Published on: April 18, 2016
Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii in Vaginal Swab Samples from Sheep That Aborted
Oliver Sánchez-Rodríguez1, Erika G Palomares-Resendiz2, Efrén Díaz-Aparicio2
1Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, México.
Abstract:
Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the etiological agent of Q fever in humans and one of the causes of abortion in small ruminants. Although coxiellosis is considered an exotic disease, there are a few reports in Mexico. The objective of this work was to determine the presence of C. burnetii DNA in vaginal samples from sheep that presented abortion and ram semen. A total of 180 vaginal exudate samples and 20 semen samples were obtained from five Central and Southern States of Mexico. Total DNA was extracted from vaginal swabs and C. burnetii was identified by PCR amplification and sequencing of the IS1111 insertion sequence. In total, 110 (110/180) vaginal samples and 12 (12/20) semen samples were positive for C. burnetii. This is the first report of C. burnetii in sheep that aborted and in ram semen in Mexico.
Insights
Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q fever, was detected in sheep abortions and ram semen in Mexico. This study confirms its presence in Mexican sheep populations, marking a significant veterinary finding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium responsible for Q fever in humans.
- It is also a significant cause of abortion in small ruminants globally.
- Coxiellosis is considered exotic in Mexico, with limited documented occurrences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii DNA in vaginal samples from sheep experiencing abortions.
- To detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in ram semen samples from Mexico.
- To establish the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in these specific ovine populations within Mexico.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 180 vaginal swab samples and 20 ram semen samples from five Mexican states.
- DNA extraction from all collected samples.
- Identification of Coxiella burnetii using PCR amplification and sequencing of the IS1111 insertion sequence.
Main Results:
- 110 out of 180 vaginal samples (61.1%) tested positive for Coxiella burnetii DNA.
- 12 out of 20 semen samples (60%) tested positive for Coxiella burnetii DNA.
- This study represents the first documented report of Coxiella burnetii in aborted sheep and ram semen in Mexico.
Conclusions:
- Coxiella burnetii is circulating in sheep populations in Central and Southern Mexico.
- The bacterium is present in both aborted sheep and apparently healthy rams, indicating potential for transmission.
- These findings highlight the need for further epidemiological studies and control measures for coxiellosis in Mexican livestock.
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