Serological Detection and Risk Analysis of Coxiella burnetii in Rodents of Punjab, Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, remains poorly understood in Pakistan, despite its clinical relevance in both humans and ruminants. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in rodents.

METHODS

Rodents were captured in urban settings across three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 300 serum samples were collected from rodents belonging to the Muridae family (n = 268) and the Sciuridae family (n = 32). Samples were screened for C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

An overall seroprevalence of 12.7% (38/300) was observed, with a higher prevalence in males compared with females (p < 0.05). Using multiple logistic regression, age was identified as a potential risk factor for C. burnetii in rodents, with 14.1% (37/262) of adult rodents testing positive for C. burnetii antibodies, compared with a 2.6% (1/38) detection rate in juvenile rodents. Coxiella burnetii antibodies were detected in five rodent species, Tatera indica, Mus musculus, Millaria meltada, Rattus rattus, and Rattus norvegicus with seroprevalence ranging from 7.8% to 23.3%, depending on the species.

CONCLUSION

This detection of C. burnetii in rodents residing in populated regions of Punjab, Pakistan indicates pathogen exposure. Additional studies, including molecular testing are needed to confirm their role as pathogen reservoirs.