Serological Detection and Risk Analysis ofin Rodents of Punjab, Pakistan.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: , the causative agent of Q fever, remains poorly understood in Pakistan, despite its clinical relevance in both humans and ruminants. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence ofin rodents. METHODS: Rodents were captured in urban settings across three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 300 serum samples were collected from rodents belonging to the Muridae family (= 268) and the Sciuridae family (= 32). Samples were screened forantibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: An overall seroprevalence of 12.7% (38/300) was observed, with a higher prevalence in males compared with females (< 0.05). Using multiple logistic regression, age was identified as a potential risk factor forin rodents, with 14.1% (37/262) of adult rodents testing positive forantibodies, compared with a 2.6% (1/38) detection rate in juvenile rodents.antibodies were detected in five rodent species,,,,andwith seroprevalence ranging from 7.8% to 23.3%, depending on the species. CONCLUSION: This detection ofin rodents residing in populated regions of Punjab, Pakistan indicates pathogen exposure. Additional studies, including molecular testing are needed to confirm their role as pathogen reservoirs.