Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii and associated risk factors in small ruminants from central Nepal

Rajesh Gautam; Purna Bahadur Shrestha; Suraj Achami

doi:10.64636/ar.32

Authors

Rajesh Gautam Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Paklihawa, Bhairawaha, Nepal https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9733-5238
Purna Bahadur Shrestha Nepal Agriculture Research Centre, National Goat Research Program, Bandipur, Tanahu, Nepal
Suraj Achami Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Paklihawa, Bhairawaha, Nepal

Corresponding Author

Rajesh Gautam

vet.rajesh01@gmail.com ; https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9733-5238

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64636/ar.32

Abstract

Q fever is an endemic zoonotic disease primarily transmitted to humans from infected ruminants. Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen with a global distribution, is the causative agent of Q fever. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii and evaluate associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 88 goat serum samples obtained from the National Goat Research Program, Agriculture Research Council, Nepal. Two of the 88 serum samples were positive for C. burnetii, indicating a prevalence of 2.27%. The evaluated risk factors for Q fever, including age, physiological status, tick infestation, body condition score (BCS), history of abortion, health status, and stock source, showed no significant association with C. burnetii positivity. In conclusion, C. burnetii was detected in goats in the study area, although at a low prevalence. Further investigation involving farm workers and animals in the surrounding area is warranted from a One Health perspective.

Keywords:

Zoonotic, query fever, goats, epidemiological investigation, seroprevalence, one health

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Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii and associated risk factors in small ruminants from central Nepal

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