An investigation on the potential role of Q fever and chlamydiosis of ovine abortion

Abstract

Chlamydia abortus and Coxiella burnetii are among the significant pathogens that result in economic losses in small ruminants, particularly sheep, on a global scale. Both agents have been linked with disorders of the reproductive system in animals and are among the primary causes of abortion cases. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Q fever and ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) in aborted sheep during lambing seasons. Samples of blood and vaginal swabs were obtained from sheep flocks in the Iğdır province. In total, both blood samples and vaginal samples from 100 aborted sheep were analyzed for C. abortus and C. burnetii. Both agents were investigated by ELISA in serum and by direct PCR in vaginal swabs. The results of the study indicate that 44% of the sheep sera exhibited positive antibody reactivity to C. burnetii. Five out of 100 sera samples from sheep tested were positive for ovine enzootic abortion. In addition, three samples were serologically positive for both agents. Molecular analyses of vaginal swabs were negative for both agents. The results of this study confirm the existence of exposure of sheep flocks in the Iğdır province to both agents. The detection of Q fever and OEA in abortive sheep indicates that these pathogens carry a risk of infection in humans due to their zoonotic properties.