Aetiological and epidemiological studies on Qfever and Mediterranean spotted fever in animals

Abstract number: O78

Martinov S.

Q fever and Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) are leading in presence and importance rickettsial diseases in Bulgaria. The aim of the work is to present the contemporary state of these diseases on the basias of vast aetiological, clinical and eppidemiological investigations. Employed were complement fixation test, microimmunofluorescent test, isolation of the agent, immunofluorescent haemocytic test (IFHT). A retrospective analysis of the state of the agricultural foci of Q fever was carried out by examination of more than 320 000 blood sera. During 2003–2008 the mean seropositivity for C. burnettii in domestic ruminants was 10, 11%. Seropositive swine, geese, ducks, cats and dogs were also established. In general 88 Coxiella burnettii isolates from animal clinical and pathological materials were obtained. By means of IFHT was found that 16.8% ixodic ticks out of 1769 examined were infected with C. burnettii. Eleven Coxiella strains were isolated from ticks. Significant seropositive rate (20, 42%) for Rickettsia conorii was established in 2473 sheep, goats and cattle from MSF endemic and non-endemic regions. The IFHT examination of 865 ticks revealed 19.76%R. conorii positive. From ticks were isolated three strains of R. conorii and two of R. sibirica.

In conclusion, the obtained data will contribute for creating of up-to-date strategy for more efficient control of the two rickettsial zoonoses.