Serological study of zoonotic diseases in veterinarians, in Portugal QFever

The “One Health” concept is gaining increasing relevance and remains a subject of continuous study due to its role in promoting ecosystem balance and integrating human, animal, and environmental health. Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases strongly exemplify the interconnectedness of the “One Health” pillars, representing significant threats to both human and animal health. The resurgence of certain diseases reflects the impact of environmental changes, highlighting the need for collective, interdisciplinary strategies for their prevention and control, alongside the use of basic, straightforward measures, such as the active implementation of simple biosecurity practices. Q Fever is a globally distributed disease caused by a bacterium known as Coxiella burnetii. Ruminants are recognized as the primary reservoirs, shedding the agent into the surrounding environment through secretions and/or excretions. The main objectives of this study were to identify risk factors associated with Coxiella burnetii infection and to assess the implementation of biosecurity measures among veterinarians working in livestock species. Additionally, it aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Q Fever infection in this population.

The results showed that 33.7% of the samples in the test group tested positive for IgG anti-Coxiella burnetii, corresponding to 31 out of the 92 veterinarians tested, suggesting exposure to the agent. In comparison, the control group had aeropositivity rate of 17.4%. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.0023), suggesting a significantly higher exposure risk in the test group. This study demonstrated that veterinarians in the test group had a greater likelihood of exposure to the agent (OR=2.41) compared to the control group.