Detection of Coxeilla brunetii in bulk tank milk samples from dairy bovine farms using nested-PCR in Qom, Iran, 2011

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, a species of bacteria that is distributed worldwide. In cattle, Coxiella burnetii infections are generally asymptomatic but can also be associated with reproductive disorders. The aim of this study was to achieve molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy bovine milk farms using Nested PCR in Qom province, Iran. From January to February 2011 (winter) and July to September 2011(summer) a total of 100 bovine bulk milk samples were equally collected from five areas of Qom. The nested PCR assay used to screen for C. burnetii was designed from the nucleotide sequence of the com1 gene encodin a 27-kD outer membrane protein (OMP). In this study, 14% (14 of 100) of bulk milk were positive. These results support the hypothesis of high prevalence and endemic pattern of Q fever in Qom province of Iran.