2025/01/01 by Karen O. Mathews, David N. Phalen, Paul A. Sheehy +4 · 1 voice
Immunology and Microbiology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Medicine · #Vector-borne infectious diseases #Vector-Borne Animal Diseases #Viral Infections and Vectors
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/femsle/fnaf060
openalex publication_date 2025/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/06/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii with domestic ruminants considered the main infection source for humans. Coxiella burnetii infection in Australian native wildlife (ANW) species has been demonstrated, however their role as reservoirs remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii DNA in tissues, swabs, and secretions from ANW, (primarily marsupials from eastern Australia), and further understand the pathogenesis in these species by identifying tissues infected and potential shedding routes. The study utilized an optimized multiplex quantitative PCR assay targeting three C. burnetii genes and a stringent classification system that prioritized specificity to overcome false positives known to occur due to Coxiella-like endosymbiont species. Of the 141 animals examined, one eastern gray kangaroo cloacal swab tested positive for C. burnetii DNA (at ~11 genome equivalents per reaction) in all three genes. Four animals were classified as suspect with amplification in two genes at a lower copy number. Genotyping of the definitively positive animal returned a C. burnetii genotype previously associated with human Q fever cases, which underscores the importance of Q fever vaccination where available for individuals in contact with wildlife, given the potential severity of the disease in humans.