Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Q fever in pets in Poland - what you should know
By Turlewicz-Podbielska, Hanna et al.Ā·Published in BMC veterinary researchĀ·2024Ā·Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious DiseasesĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: The first serological survey of C. Burnetii in domestic animals in Poland.
Plain-English summary
A survey in Poland tested 491 dogs, 427 cats, and 93 rabbits for exposure to a bacteria called Coxiella burnetii, which can cause Q fever. The results showed that about 0.61% of dogs and 0.23% of cats had antibodies against this bacteria, indicating they had been exposed, while all rabbits tested negative. Although the rates were low, it suggests that pet dogs and cats can be affected and may pose a risk to people, especially those who handle them during breeding or veterinary care. It's important for pet owners and veterinarians to be cautious, particularly during birthing, as this bacteria can lead to reproductive issues in pets.
People also search for: dog Q fever symptoms Ā· cat exposure to Coxiella burnetii Ā· pet reproductive disorders Ā· how to protect pets from infections Ā· signs of infection in dogs and cats
Abstract
BACKGROUND: • Q fever, known as coxiellosis in animals, represents a global zoonotic threat caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). The disease affects many animal species, including those considered significant reservoirs, such as cattle, sheep and goats. Transmission of the pathogen to other domestic animals, including companion animals, and then to humans has also been observed, highlighting the importance of understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of C. burnetii among companion animals. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for C. burnetii within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban Poland areas and identify possible risk factors for these animals. RESULTS: • In total, serum samples from 491 dogs, 427 cats and 93 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies in dogs and cats reached 0.61% (3/491; 95% CI: 0.21-1.78) and 0.23% (1/427; 95% CI: 0.04-1.31), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence across species and different subpopulations (age group, gender, exhibited symptoms, or sampling location) were found. All 93 samples from rabbits were negative for anti-C.burnetii antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: • The seroprevalence rates of C. burnetii in dogs and cats were low; however, our results confirm that pet dogs and cats in Poland can be exposed to C. burnetii and may exhibit serological reactions. It has been reported that people who come into contact with secretions and excretions from the reproductive systems of dogs and cats (such as breeders, veterinarians, and veterinary clinic staff) may be at risk of contracting C. burnetii. Based on the findings, it is advised to be particularly cautious, especially when assisting with dogs and cats giving birth. Coxiellosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in these animals. The results indicate that rabbits are probably less important in the circulation of the C. burnetii in the present study. This is the first serological survey of C. burnetii in pet dogs, cats and rabbits in Poland.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39645565/