Sero-epidemiology of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> infection in domestic ruminants in the prefectures of Beyla and Mamou, Guinea

Abstract This study determined the seroprevalence and identified risk factors for exposure to Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in the prefectures of Mamou and Beyla in Guinea. A structured qualitative and quantitative questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers to 48 people, mainly livestock farmers. Besides, 216 serum samples from 75 cattle, 69 sheep, and 72 goats were analysed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for Coxiella burnetii IgG and IgM antibodies. The results of the survey showed that farmers had little information about Q fever. Of 216 serum samples analysed from 48 different herds, 101 (46.76 %) animals and 18 (37.5 %) herds were positive for Coxiella burnetii . The seroprevalence was significantly higher in Beyla (54.63 %) than in Mamou (38.89 %) (p = 0.029). It was 52.78 % in goats, 40.58 % in sheep and 46.67 % in cattle (p = 0.34). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that tick infestation, age, sex and contact with other animals had a significant impact on the prevalence of Q fever. Given its zoonotic and economic impact, it is important to establish a disease surveillance system in all regions of the country. Further research, particularly in molecular diagnosis, is needed to confirm the involvement of Q fever in cases of reproductive disorders in domestic ruminants in Guinea.