Coxiella burnetii spread in Sicily

Abstract

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by C. burnetii. Common reservoirs of this worldwide disease are wild and domestic animals, especially sheep, goats, cattle. Q fever has been considered also an occupational disease for abattoir workers, sheep shearers, livestock farmers, and veterinarians due to their direct contact with potentially infected animals. The aims of this study were to estimate C. burnetii spread in Sicilian livestock and among rangers that live and work in Western Sicily. ELISA test on animal serum and IFI test on seasonal rangers sera were carried out. Real Time PCR was performed on milk and vaginal swab samples collected from animals to search for the C. burnetii DNA. The highest prevalence of C. burnetii infection was observed in goat farms in Enna province and in sheep farms in Catania. The major prevalence of positive workers at C. burnetii was observed in Trapani province. The Real Time PCR results showed more positive samples in Palermo province.