Are Dogs and Cats Possible Reservoirs for Human Q Fever in Iran?

Q fever caused by Coxiella burnetii is a zoonosis of public health concern, primarily transmitted by ruminants and other potential animal species. Dogs and cats have been previously implicated in the transmission of the infection; however, their involvement in the epidemiology of Q fever has been poorly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the occurrence of C. burnetii was investigated in dogs (n=81) and cats (n=28) subjected to ovariohysterectomy or vaginal swab sampling. C. burnetii was detected by nested trans-polymerase chain reaction assay in 5 uterine samples of both dogs and cats (i.e., 12.1% and 17.8%, respectively) as well as in 8 of 40 (20%) vaginal samples of dogs. The presence of C. burnetii was determined in 18 of 109 (16.5%) samples. The genital tract of dogs and cats can harbor C. burnetii, and these animals may be considered as a source of infection. Therefore, Q fever should be considered a notable public health threat in Iran, and the pet owners should be made aware of the zoonotic potential of C. burnetii.