Genomic detection of Coxiella burnetii in cattle milk samples by Nested-PCR method, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Q fever is a febrile disease which may be appeared as abrupt symptoms such as chills, pain behind the eyes (retrobulbar), malaise, disorder, and profuse perspiration. Since this bacterium is mostly common in animals and it is possible to transfer it from contaminated milk, this study aimed to determine the prevalent rate of Coxiella burentii in raw milk samples obtained from dairy cattles in AjabShir-Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out from May 2014 to October 2014. Eighty milk samples were collected from 8 dairy cattle breeding complexes and the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii was confirmed by Nested-PCR method. Results and Conclusion: In this study, 20 out of 80 milk samples (25%) were positive in terms of Coxiella burnetii. Considering the importance of the bacterium, Coxiella 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. The localization 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 Iran.

Keywords

• Q fever
• Coxiella burnetii
• Cattle
• Nested- PCR.