Molecular Detection of Coxiella Burnetii in Ticks Isolated From Domestic Animals in Slaughterhouses and Farms, Shahr-E-Rey, Tehran, Iran



Talaie P¹ ; Tavassoli M¹ ; Mostafavi E^{2, 3} ; Telmadarraiy Z¹ ; Rohani M⁴ ; Esmaeili S^{2, 3} ; Sedaghat MM¹
Source: Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever, a zoonotic and vector-borne disease. Ticks serve as vectors for this bacterium. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in ticks in Shahr-e-Rey County, Tehran Province. Methods: From December 2016 to November 2017, 179 ticks were collected on sheep at animal husbandry facilities and slaughterhouses located in Shahr-e-Rey, Tehran Province. Tick samples were morphologically identified and evaluated for the presence of the C. burnetii IS1111 gene using real-time PCR. Results: Ticks were classified into four genera: Hyalomma (66.48%), Rhipicepalus (23.47%), Dermacentor (7.26%), and Ornithodoros (2.79%). Furthermore, 35.20% of the ticks were Hyalomma nymphs. All 77 ticks were pooled by species, and C. burnetii was found in 22.08% (n= 17). Ornithodoros lahorensis was the most prevalent tick infected with C. burnetii. Conclusion: The distribution of C. burnetii and reports of Q fever from various regions of the country strongly suggest that the monitoring system should give this disease more attention. Copyright © 2024 The Authors.