Coxiellosis Study in Stray Cat by Trans-PCR in Kerman-Iran: Preliminary Zoonotic Risk Assesment

Q fever is endemic zoonotic worldwide diseases which caused by Coxiella burnetii. This pathogen can be infecting domestic and wild ruminants, companion animals, insects and humans. Ruminants are the primary reservoirs of C. burnetii. A variety of tick species also act as reservoirs or vectors for disease via bite, shedding or vertical transmission. Dogs and cats could be infected via inhalation or ingestion of aerosol from milk, aborted fetuses or carcasses of infected animals. Some reports indicated that pet owners could be infected after inhalation of aerosol which shed during parturition or abortion by infected dogs and cats. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of C. burnetii in the blood samples of stray cats in Kerman city (Southeast Iran) using a nested Trans-PCR assay.
Blood samples were obtained from sixty stray cats which were trapped from different parts of Kerman city from May to September of 2015. DNA extraction was done using extraction kit (G-spin ¡South Korea) and specimens were refrigerated at -18 oC. Detection of C. burnetii was conducted by nested Trans-PCR assay using the specific primers.
Seven out of 60 (11.66%) samples were positive by nested Trans-PCR.
Our data showed that cats can be considered as the reservoirs for C. burnetii and noted zoonotic importance of these populations. As Q fever is an endemic disease in farm animal in Iran specially Kerman district, efforts should be focused on understanding the role and pathogenic importance of companion animals in transmission of Q fever to human population.