Seroprevalence of Q Fever and Brucellosis in Domestic and Imported Cattle of Southeastern Iran

Introduction: Q fever and brucellosis caused by Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp., respectively are among the significant zoonotic infectious diseases worldwide affecting both humans and domestic animals. Iran and its neighboring countries in the east are endemic for these diseases. This study, conducted in ۲۰۱۱-۲۰۱۲, aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever and brucellosis among domestic and imported cattle slaughtered in Zabol city of Sistan and Baluchistan province, eastern Iran. Methods: We collected blood samples from ۱۰۳ imported and ۶۲ domestic animals. The Sera were separated and examined by an ELISA for the presence of IgG against the two causative agents. Results: The seroprevalence of brucellosis in imported cattle was ۰.۹۷%, while none of the domestic animals turned positive. Seroprevalence of Q fever in domestic cattle was ۳.۲۳%, whereas all imported cattle were negative. Conclusion: In this study, brucellosis and Q fever exhibited a very low seroprevalence in domestic and imported animals. Further studies on other livestock would provide more information on the status of these diseases in the southeast of Iran. Furthermore, studies on the prevalence of these diseases in border regions and neighboring countries of Sistan and Baluchistan would provide more in-depth insights into these diseases and the possibility of their importation to Iran.

Keywords:

Q Fever , Zoonoses , Coxiella burnetii , Brucella , Iran