Molecular evidence of sporadic Coxiella burnetii excretion in sheep milk, central Portugal

In this study, a 2-year longitudinal approach was performed to ascertain the excretion ofC. burnetii in bulk tank milk samples of sheep from a mountain plateau in central Portugal, with sampling conducted during the years 2015 and 2016. From a total of 156 bulk tank milk samples tested by qPCR, only one showed to be positive forC. burnetii (1.28% [95%CI: 0.03 –6.94]), from 2015, the first year of collection. Bidirectional sequencing and phylogenetic analysis ofIS1111 transposase partial region confirmed the presence ofC. burnetii DNA. The presence ofC. burnetii in raw milk samples highlights the necessity for additional research to determine if raw milk is a potential source for human infection. Animal health surveillance and prevention measures against this zoonotic disease should be considered.
Source: Veterinary Research Communications - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research