Genomic detection of Coxiellaburnetii (Q Fever agent) in Cattle milk samples in Urmia animal farms

Background: Q fever is a worldwide disease with acute and chronic stages caused by the bacterium Coxiellaburnetii. Cattle, sheep, and goats are the primary reservoirs, although a variety of species may be infected. Organisms are excreted in milk, urine, and feces of infected animals. Infection of humans usually occurs by inhalation of these organisms from air that contains airborne barnyard dust contaminated by dried placental material, birth fluids and excreta of infected animals. This study was conducted to determine the seasonal prevalence rate of C.burentii in raw milk samples collected from cattle in Urmia. Methods: 100 samples of Cattle milk were obtained. A nested PCR method was performed for the detection of C.burnetiiin Cattle milk samples. Two pairs of oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 438-bp fragment of the com1 gene encoding a 27-kDa outer membrane protein of C. burnetii. DNA extraction was performed by DNA extraction kit (Blood/cultured cell genomic DNA Extraction, Favorgen, Taiwan). The Amplification of DNA was performed by PCR Method. The PCR products visualized by electrophoresis in gel agarose 1.5%. Results: The results revealed that 10 samples out of 100 cattle milk samples (10%) were positive for C.burnetii. Considering the importance of the bacterium, C.burnetii, rapid and accurate diagnosis is of great significance. Molecular techniques, due to its high accuracy and high speed, are mostly effective in the diagnosis. Conclusion: The application of molecular techniques in the diagnosis of Q fever is highly recommended. The results indicated that Cattle s milk could be a potential reservoir of C.burnetii in Urmia Region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Coxiellaburnetii ، Cattle milk ، Nested-PCR ، Urmia