Analysis of Epidemiological and Epizootiological Situation on Q Fever in the Russian Federation over the Period of 2013–2024 and Short-Term Forecast of Morbidity for 2025

The review presents an assessment of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation regarding Q fever in the Russian Federation for the period from 2013 to 2024, excluding the data for 2020 and 2021 due to anti-epidemic measures aimed at COVID-19, as well as covers current aspects of combating this infection. An evaluation of the epidemic potential of Q fever in Russia and other countries, where an increase in activity of infection foci has been observed, is made. Ranking of the Q fever-affected regions in the Russian Federation has been carried out based on morbidity rates, with a very high level of epidemic risk noted for Astrakhan Region (average long-term morbidity rate is 9.31 per 100 thousand population). An analysis of Q fever cases in Russia during 2024 has revealed 286 registered cases (0.20 per 100 thousand population), where Stavropol Territory contributed significantly to the total number of Coxiella infections – 138 cases (4.78) – and Astrakhan Region added another 127 cases (13.39), accounting for 92.7 % of all recorded cases. Q fever registration within the territory of the Russian Federation occurred from March through December 2024 inclusively, reaching its peak in June–July. The results of monitoring Q fever in the Stavropol, Altai, and Primorsk Territories as well as Astrakhan, Rostov, and Omsk Regions are provided in the paper. Antibodies of class G against Coxiella burnetii were detected in blood serum samples taken across all surveyed areas. In the Astrakhan Region, markers (DNA) of C. burnetii were found in sheep wool and skin samples, feeding stuff, milk, soil, and bedding used by farm animals. Overall, DNA/antigen of C. burnetii was identified in 5.3 % of Ixodidae tick samples collected across six regions.