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

BACKGROUND: Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused byCoxiella burnetii, a species of bacteria that is distributedworldwide. In cattle, Coxiella burnetii infections are generallyasymptomatic but can also be associated with reproductivedisorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to achievemolecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in dairy bovine milkfarms using Nested PCR in Qom province, Iran. METHODS:From January to February 2011 (winter) and July to September2011(summer) a total of 100 bovine bulk milk samples wereequally collected from five areas of Qom. The nested PCR assayused to screen for C. burnetii was designed from the nucleotidesequence of the com1 gene encodin a 27-kD outer membraneprotein (OMP). RESULTS: In this study, 14% (14 of 100) of bulkmilk were positive. CONCLUSIONS: These results support thehypothesis of high prevalence and endemic pattern of Q fever inQom province of Iran.