Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Dairy Cattle and Camel in Sudan

Background: Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is the causative agent of Q fever, a zoonotic disease that is prevalent worldwide. Domestic and companion animals are the main reservoirs of infection. Humans mainly acquire the infection through inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Objectives: This study was carried out to detect the prevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in dairy cattle sera samples collected in nine states and in camel sera samples in four states in Sudan during May 2015 - March 2016. Methods: A total of 244 cattle sera and 76 camel sera samples were collected and screened for anti- C. burnetii IgG antibodies, using a commercial Q fever antibody ELISA test kit (IDEXX). Results: In dairy cattle, the results indicated an overall 29.92% prevalence of C. burnetii antibodies whereas an overall 64.5% prevalence rate was detected in dairy camel. Conclusions: Our data indicate that C. burnetii is widespread in dairy cattle and camel in Sudan. Both animal and human health workers in Sudan should be aware of the possibility of Q fever infection in animals and humans.