Study of C. burnetii human and animal seroprevalence in a rural population in Madrid community
A pilot study on human seroprevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii in the Madrid region, initiated in a small rural population, shows a 15.4% positivity by the indirect immunofluorescence test. An urban sample shows an 8.8% positivity. Animal seroprevalence in livestock located in the village under study is 76.6% in caprine and 17.7% in bovine. A high risk epidemiological situation is detected.
Epidemiological factors associated with the exposure of cattle to Coxiella burnetii in the Madrid region of Spain.
Domestic ruminants are considered to be the major source of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever. Even though Q fever is considered to be present worldwide, its distribution in many areas and countries remains unknown. Here, a serological assay was used to estimate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in cattle in the Madrid region of Spain, to assess its spatial distribution, and to identify risk factors associated with positive results. Ten animals from each of 110 herds (n=1100) were randomly selected and analyzed using an ELISA test. In addition, epidemiological information, at both the herd and individual level, was collected. Variables for which an association with test results was detected in a bivariate analysis were included as predictors (main effects) in a multivariable logistic regression model. Herd and individual seroprevalences were 30% (95% CI=22.2-39.1) and 6.76% (95% CI=5.42-8.41), respectively, and a strong spatial dependence was identified at the first neighbour level using the Cuzick-Edwards test. Production type (dairy >beef >bullfighting) and age of animals (old vs. young) were the only variables significantly associated (P<0.05) with positive serological results at the herd and individual levels, respectively. These results indicate that cattle are exposed to C. burnetii in the Madrid region The high herd seroprevalence found in dairy herds (75%) indicates a higher risk of infection (probably for management reasons) whereas no C. burnetii positive bullfighting herds were identified.
Clinical chemical values and variations in Rasa Aragonesa ewes and lambs
Reference values of biochemical parameters in serum of Rasa Aragonesa ewes and their physiological variations were determined. Total proteins were 53.0–80.0 g/l, glucose 2.17–5.13 mmol/l, cholesterol 0.83–2.31 mmol/l, total bilirubin 1.85–6.49 μmol/l, urea 3.15–10.39 mmol/l, GGT 36–93 U/l (37°C), ALAT 11–33 U/l (37°C) and ASAT 71–209 U/l (37°C). Ewes were divided into three groups: A, 1- and 2-year-old ewes; B, ewes 3 and 4 years old; C, older ewes. Age had significant influence (P<0.05) on ASAT only during pregnancy, with higher levels for younger ewes. Blood parameters in lambs were determined at 5–10 d of life (nursing), 25 to 30 d of life receiving their mother's milk and 80–90 g of feed; and 45 to 50 d of life, weaned, receiving only solid feed. Serum urea and ALAT tended to increase with age, whereas total protein, globulins, cholesterol and GGT decreased with age. These values are of practical importance in the diagnosis of diseases and metabolic disorders in Rasa Aragonesa ewes and lambs under field conditions.