Investigation of Coxiella burnetti by ELISA, IFAT and molecular diagnosis in dairy cows from rural settlements in Brazil

• Grant number: 24/09808-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Simone Baldini Lucheis
• Grantee: Simone Baldini Lucheis
• Principal researcher abroad: MARIA ANGELES RAMO GIL
• Institution abroad: Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/00076-9 - Molecular and serological detection of Coxiella burnetti in dairy cows from small properties in rural settlements and spatial analysis, AP.R

Abstract

Investigations of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetti) are of fundamental relevance to public health, being of great importance in human and veterinary medicine. Human infections by C. burnetii through consumption of contaminated milk and dairy products is a noteworthy route of transmission. This proposal is justified by the importance of this zoonosis in both Brazil and Spain, requiring more studies, as C. burnetti is widespread in herds. It is proposed as activities to be carried out at the University of Zaragoza, Spain, carrying out serological ELISA techniques, as well as conventional and real-time PCR molecular tests, from lactating cows, in serum and milk samples, respectively, coming from rural settlements in the Northwest Region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to complement the results of Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) and molecular diagnostic tests carried out in Brazil, for an accurate evaluation of all laboratory results obtained. In this way, we believe that it will be possible to create a solid partnership in the medium and long term with the University of Zaragoza, considering that C. burnetti is a zoonotic agent of great medical and veterinary importance in Brazil, as well as in Spain, with rates of significant abortions, mainly in herds of small ruminants, causing economic losses and risks to public health. (AU)