We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Coxiella burnetii and Reproductive Disorders in Cattle: A Systematic Review.
- Authors
Gisbert, Philippe; Garcia-Ispierto, Irina; Quintela, Luis Angel; Guatteo, Raphaël
- Abstract
Simple Summary: Q fever is an infectious disease in ruminants caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can be transmitted to humans. A review of the scientific literature was carried out to examine the relationship between Q fever and reproductive problems in cattle [abortion/stillbirth/perinatal morality/weak calves; non-expulsion of placenta; uterine infection; infertility/sub-fertility]. For each problem, a scientific evidence score was calculated for each eligible study to help reach a conclusion on the level of evidence for the impact of C. burnetii, if any, on the reproductive problem assessed. The literature search yielded 443 results, but only 61 were deemed eligible for use. There were 43 studies that looked at Q fever and abortion/stillbirth/perinatal morality/weak calves. For non-expulsion of the placenta, uterine infection and infertility/sub-fertility, there were 9, 8 and 19 studies, respectively. For abortion/stillbirth/perinatal morality/weak calves, non-expulsion of placenta and infertility/sub-fertility, there is a good deal of evidence to support the involvement of Q fever. In contrast, for uterine infections, the evidence is unclear. There is a strong need for more research, particularly involving larger numbers of study animals. To provide more consistency in this field of study, it is recommended that scientists follow more precise definitions of reproductive problems and use better methodologies to test for Q fever infection. Coxiellosis or Q fever is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. A systematic review using bibliographic research was carried out, and the focus was the relationship between C. burnetii infection and reproductive disorders in cattle [abortion/stillbirth/perinatal morality/weak calves (ASPW complex); retained foetal membranes (RFMs); metritis/endometritis; and infertility/sub-fertility]. The bibliographical search yielded 443 results from databases, but only 61 were deemed eligible. For each disorder, summary tables were prepared, and a scientific evidence score was calculated for each study based on four criteria to help assess the level of evidence for the impact of C. burnetii on the reproductive disorders assessed: type of publication (peer-reviewed or other); type of study (case–control/cohort or other); type of C. burnetii test (direct or indirect); and comparative statistical analysis (yes or no). In addition, summary tables also included information on the study population, country, authors and year of publication, key findings and an assessment of the evidence for an association. For the ASPW complex, RFMs, metritis/endometritis and infertility/sub-fertility, 43, 9, 8 and 19 studies provided data, respectively. On a scale of four, nearly 50% of all study citations had evidence scores of three or four. For ASPW, RFMs and infertility/sub-fertility, there is a significant body of evidence to support a deleterious role for Q fever. In contrast, for metritis/endometritis, the evidence is unclear. It is concluded that there is a substantial need for further research, particularly involving larger animal populations in more controlled settings. To provide more consistency, it is recommended that authors follow more precise definitions of reproductive parameters and more robust diagnostic methodologies.
- Subjects
COXIELLA burnetii; Q fever; SCIENTIFIC literature; ZOONOSES; ANIMAL populations; CATTLE fertility
- Publication
Animals (2076-2615), 2024, Vol 14, Issue 9, p1313
- ISSN
2076-2615
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3390/ani14091313