Detection of Coxeilla brunetii in bulk tank milk samples from dairy bovine farms using nested-PCR in Qom, Iran, 2011

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

3 TASNIM Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Microbiology, Qom Branch ,Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by
Coxiella burnetii, a species of bacteria that is distributed
worldwide. In cattle, Coxiella burnetii infections are generally
asymptomatic but can also be associated with reproductive
disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to achieve
molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy bovine milk
farms using Nested PCR in Qom province, Iran. METHODS:
From January to February 2011 (winter) and July to September
2011(summer) a total of 100 bovine bulk milk samples were
equally collected from five areas of Qom. The nested PCR assay
used to screen for C. burnetii was designed from the nucleotide
sequence of the com1 gene encodin a 27-kD outer membrane
protein (OMP). RESULTS: In this study, 14% (14 of 100) of bulk
milk were positive. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the
hypothesis of high prevalence and endemic pattern of Q fever in
Qom province of Iran.

Keywords