Shedding and extensive and prolonged environmental contamination of goat farms of Q fever patients by Coxiella burnetii.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A majority (>70%) of Q fever patients in South Korea do not have a history of animal contact. Therefore, unconscious environmental exposure is suspected. The aim of this study was to investigate exposure of Q fever patients to environmental contamination and animal shedding.

METHODS:

Two goat farmers were enrolled. One was diagnosed with Q fever 3 years ago (Farm 1). Among 20 goats on Farm 1, five were tested randomly and found to be Q fever PCR-positive. Three of the five were Q fever ELISA-positive. Two of five environmental samples taken in 2015 were PCR-positive. In 2018, 17 of 18 environmental samples were PCR-positive. On Farm 2, 54 of the 77 goats were PCR-positive, and 63 were ELISA-positive. Twelve of 14 environmental samples were PCR-positive. Repeat administration of oxytetracycline to goats led to a gradual reduction in PCR-positive tests over a 5-month period. However, PCR-positivity of the farm environment persisted for 5 months.

CONCLUSION:

The environment on farms owned by Q fever patients was contaminated extensively and persistently, even after antibiotic treatment of goats and environmental decontamination. Undetected environmental contamination can be a major source of sporadic Q fever infection in South Korea.

• Authors: Hyeon Seop Byeon, Stalin Nattan, Jun Hyoung Kim, Seong Tae Han, Mun Hui Chae, Mi Na Han, Byeongwoo Ahn, Yong-Dae Kim, Hee-Sung Kim, Hye Won Jeong
• Journal: Veterinary medicine and science (Vet Med Sci) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 1264-1270 (05 2022) ISSN: 2053-1095 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35305287 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2022 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Animals
• Coxiella burnetii
• Farms
• Goat Diseases (epidemiology)
• Goats
• Q Fever (epidemiology, veterinary)