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Ticks are obligate ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens affecting health, agriculture, and animal welfare. This study collected ticks from the cattle and questing ticks of 24 Magdalena Medio Antioquia region cattle farms. Genomic DNA was extracted from the specimens (individual or pools) of the 2088 adult ticks collected from cattle and 4667 immature questing ticks collected from pastures. The molecular detection of Babesia, Anaplasma, Coxiella and Rickettsia genera was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent DNA sequencing. In a total of 6755 Rhipicephalus microplus DNA samples, Anaplasma marginale was the most detected with a frequency of 2% (Confidence Interval- CI 1.68-2.36), followed by Babesia bigemina with 0.28% (CI 0.16-0.44), Coxiella spp. with 0.15% (CI 0.07-0.27), and Rickettsia spp. with 0.13% (CI 0.06-0.25). Molecular analysis of the DNA sequences obtained from the tick samples revealed the presence of Coxiella-like endosymbiont and R. felis. These results demonstrated the diversity of microorganisms present in R. microplus ticks predominantly associated with cattle and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems, suggesting their role as reservoirs and potential biological vectors of these microorganisms on the studied sites. Also, it emphasizes the need to combine acarological surveillance with clinical diagnoses and control strategies on regional and national levels.

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The domestic animal, known as a main reservoir of Coxiella burnetii, is susceptible to the occurrence of coxiellosis, which can lead to abortions in domestic animals, causing significant economic damage and posing risks to human health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate C. burnetii as the causative agent of Q fever in abortion samples of small ruminants in southeastern Iran. This study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Zarand city, located in Kerman province (southeast Iran). In this study, 50 abomasum swab samples of aborted sheep and goat fetuses were collected and analyzed using molecular methods to identify C. burnetii. The results revealed that 26% (n: 13) of the collected abortion samples were infected with C. burnetii. Among the positive samples, two (50%) belonged to goat abortion samples while 11 (23.9%) belonged to sheep abortion samples. This study demonstrates that C. burnetii is one of the causes of abortion in small ruminants in southeastern Iran. It is recommended to pay more attention to C. burnetii in domestic animals due to its significant economic impact on livestock and its potential implication for human health in Iran.

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Aims: evaluate the medical professionals' knowledge about Q fever, seeking integrative contributions to public health that may favor the formulation of policies and the development of strategies based on a One Health approach. Methods: this is a cross-sectional and quantitative study with data collection through a structured questionnaire applied face-to-face to physicians from various clinical specialties working at the three levels of health care in Brazil. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions, seven of which were specific to assessing knowledge about Q fever. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether the variables medical specialty, level of health care in which they work, age range and gender were associated with a correct answer to at least one specific question about Q fever. Results: among the 254 physicians included, 236 (92.9%) were unaware of Q fever. Only three (16.6%) of the 18 who correctly answered at least one specific question about the disease had a score of more than 50%. The highest rates of correct answers for at least one question (p < 0.0001) occurred among the me-dical specialties most related to clinical signs and symptoms or the differential diagnosis of Q fever and among males. It is highlighted that 85.8% of physicians consider Q fever a neglected and underreported disease in Brazil. Additionally, all physicians responded that they were not aware of the One Health approach.Conclusions: the almost total lack of knowledge among medical professionals regarding Q fever reinforces the need for greater disclosure for this zoonosis with a One Health approach in Medical Schools, in Residency Programs and for physicians in general. In addition, the inclusion of Q fever in the national list of notifiable diseases becomes relevant, allowing a better understanding of its epidemiological situation in Brazil. Finally, effective public health actions must be carried out to avoid underdiagnosis and the development of severe cases of the disease

Objetivos: avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais médicos sobre a febre Q, visando contribuições integrativas para saúde pública que possam favorecer a formulação de políticas e o desenvolvimento de estratégias baseadas na abordagem de Saúde Única.Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal e quantitativo com coleta de dados por meio de questionário estruturado aplicado presencialmente a médicos de diversas especialidades clínicas que atuam nos três níveis de atenção à saúde no Brasil. O questionário foi composto por 25 questões, sendo sete específicas de avaliação de conhecimento sobre a febre Q. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística univariada e multivariada para avaliar se as variáveis especialidade médica, nível de assistência à saúde em que atua, faixa etária e sexo estavam associadas ao acerto de pelo menos uma questão específica sobre a febre Q.Resultados: dos 254 médicos incluídos, 236 (92,9%) desconheciam a febre Q. Apenas três (16,6%) dos 18 que acertaram pelo menos uma questão específica sobre a doença obtiveram um aproveitamento superior a 50%. As maiores taxas de acerto de pelo menos uma questão (p < 0,0001) ocorreram entre as especialidades médicas mais relacionadas aos sinais e sintomas clínicos ou ao diagnóstico diferencial da febre Q e entre os do sexo masculino. Destaca-se que 85,8% dos médicos consideram a febre Q uma doença negligenciada e subnotificada no Brasil. Além disso, todos os médicos responderam que não conheciam a abordagem de Saúde Única.Conclusões: o quase total desconhecimento dos profissionais médicos sobre a febre Q reforça a necessidade de maior divulgação desta zoonose com abordagem de Saúde Única nas Faculdades de Medicina, nos Programas de Residência e para os médicos em geral. Além disso, torna-se relevante a inclusão da febre Q na lista nacional de doenças de notificação compulsória, permitindo uma melhor compreensão da sua situação epidemiológica no Brasil. Por fim, devem ser realizadas ações eficazes de saúde pública para evitar o subdiagnóstico e o desenvolvimento de casos graves da doença

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Introduction: Recent evidence shows a high diversity of infectious agents in wildlife that represent a threat to human, domestic, and wild animal health. In Chile, wild populations of the most common cervid species, pudu (Pudu puda), have been reported as hosts for novel pathogens such as Mycoplasma ovis-like and a novel ecotype of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A better understanding of the epidemiology of this group and other intracellular bacteria that might have cervids as hosts would enlighten their population relevance. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Coxiella burnetii in pudus from Chile. Methods: The DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 69 wild free-ranging and 30 captive pudus from Chile. A combination of real-time (nouG gene for Bartonella and IS1111 element for C. burnetii) and conventional PCR (16S rRNA for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and rpoB, gltA, and ITS for Bartonella spp.) was used for pathogen screening and molecular characterization. Results: DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected in 10.1% [95% CI (5.2-18.2%)] samples, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 1.7% [95% CI (0.08-10.1%)], and C. burnetii in 1.0% [95% CI (0.05-6.3%)] samples. Two sequenced samples were identified as Mycoplasma ovis-like, and one free-ranging pudu was positive for C. burnetii. While one captive and two free-ranging pudus were positive for Bartonella henselae, one wild pudu was co-positive for B. henselae and Bartonella sp., similar to Bartonellae identified in ruminants. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. henselae in wild ungulate species, and C. burnetii and Bartonella spp. in wild ungulate species in South America. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the potential role of pudu as reservoirs of infection and identify the sources for disease transmission among humans and wild and domestic animals.

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In Colombia, tropical febrile illnesses represent one of the most important causes of clinical attention. Febrile illnesses in the tropics are mainly zoonotic and have a broad etiology. The Colombian surveillance system monitors some notifiable diseases. However, several etiologies are not monitored by this system. In the present review, we describe eleven different etiologies of zoonotic tropical febrile illnesses that are not monitored by the Colombian surveillance system but have scientific, historical, and contemporary data that confirm or suggest their presence in different regions of the country: Anaplasma, Arenavirus, Bartonella, relapsing fever group Borrelia, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia, Hantavirus, Mayaro virus, Orientia, Oropouche virus, and Rickettsia. These could generate a risk for the local population, travelers, and immigrants, due to which they should be included in the mandatory notification system, considering their importance for Colombian public health.

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The causative agent of human Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is highly adapted to infect alveolar macrophages by inhibiting a range of host responses to infection. Despite the clinical and biological importance of this pathogen, the challenges related to genetic manipulation of both C. burnetii and macrophages have limited our knowledge of the mechanisms by which C. burnetii subverts macrophages functions. Here, we used the related bacterium Legionella pneumophila to perform a comprehensive screen of C. burnetii effectors that interfere with innate immune responses and host death using the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. We identified MceF (Mitochondrial Coxiella effector protein F), a C. burnetii effector protein that localizes to mitochondria and contributes to host cell survival. MceF was shown to enhance mitochondrial function, delay membrane damage, and decrease mitochondrial ROS production induced by rotenone. Mechanistically, MceF recruits the host antioxidant protein Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) to the mitochondria. The protective functions of MceF were absent in primary macrophages lacking GPX4, while overexpression of MceF in human cells protected against oxidative stress-induced cell death. C. burnetii lacking MceF was replication competent in mammalian cells but induced higher mortality in G. mellonella, indicating that MceF modulates the host response to infection. This study reveals an important C. burnetii strategy to subvert macrophage cell death and host immunity and demonstrates that modulation of the host antioxidant system is a viable strategy to promote the success of intracellular bacteria.

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We present the case of a 23-year-old man with a previous deceased-donor renal transplant maintained on tacrolimus and prednisone who developed culture-negative endocarditis (CNE) of the mitral and aortic valves. He was suspected of being co-infected with Bartonella henselae and Coxiella burnetii, confirmed with serology testing. He was successfully managed with appropriate antibiotics and dual valve replacement.

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ABSTRACT This review aims to provide current information about Q fever, elucidating the etiological, epidemiological, pathogenic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic aspects of the disease for the medical community. We discuss the main forms of presentation of the agent, its ability to persist in the body, the infinite possibilities of susceptible hosts, the main known forms of transmission, its importance in populations at occupational risk, and the role of arthropods in the natural history of the disease. Focusing on Brazil, we present the cases already described and studies developed since its first report, and how there is still much to unravel. We are aware of the possibilities of the persistence of the agent and the development of severe clinical pictures and the specific treatments currently instituted. We also wish to raise awareness about the future, the new genotypes that are emerging, the need to study the effects of vaccines, and the impact of Q fever on the population. Q fever is a poorly understood disease in Latin America, and recent studies, especially in Brazil, have revealed the importance of developing new studies.

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Acute febrile illness (AFI) is a morbid condition with a sudden onset of fever with at least seven days of evolution, where no signs or symptoms related to an apparent infection have been identified. In Latin America, a high proportion of disease is typically due to malaria and arboviruses. However, among the infectious etiologies, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) should also be considered, especially in areas where people come into direct contact with these arthropods. This study aims to describe the etiology and epidemiology related to tick-borne agents in patients with AFI and the tick's natural infection by agents of TBD in the rural tropical Magdalena Medio region in Colombia, and explore the factors associated with the presence of Coxiella burnetii infection. We conduct a cohort study enrolling 271 patients with AFI to detect the bacteria of the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Francisella through molecular techniques, and additionally evaluate the presence of IgG antibodies with commercially available kits. We also conduct tick collection in the patient's households or workplaces for the molecular screening of the same bacterial genera. Seropositivity to IgG antibodies was obtained for all the bacteria analyzed, with Francisella being the most common at 39.5% (107/271), followed by R. rickettsii at 31.4% (85/271), Ehrlichia at 26.9% (73/271), R. typhi at 15.5% (42/271), Anaplasma at 14.4% (39/271), and Borrelia at 6.6% (18/271). However, these bacteria were not detected by the molecular techniques used. Coxiella burnetii infection was detected in 39.5% of the patients: 49.5% only by phase I and II IgG antibodies, 33.6% only by real-time PCR, and 16.8% had a concordant positive result for both techniques. A total of 191 adult ticks, 111 females and 80 males, were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Rhipicephalus microplus. In the 169 adult ticks in which natural infection was evaluated, Ehrlichia spp. was detected in 21.3% (36/169), Coxiella spp. in 11.8% (20/169), and Anaplasma spp. in 4.7% (8/169). In conclusion, we identified the prior exposition to Francisella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Coxiella in patients through serological tests. We also detected the infection of C. burnetii using molecular techniques. In the ticks, we identified bacteria of the genera Coxiella, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia. These results suggest the importance of these zoonotic agents as possible causes of AFI in this region.

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Coxiella burnetii is the etiologic agent of Q fever, a zoonotic infectious disease of worldwide distribution that has a wide clinical spectrum. Transmission of C. burnetii occurs by inhalation of contaminated secretions and excreta of infected animal species, particularly goats, cattle and sheep. Activities associated with livestock contact represent the principal risk factor, however participation of wildlife reservoirs is underestimated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. burnetii DNA in blood from bats. Molecular analyses using a qPCR targeting the IS1111 specific gene to detect DNA of C. burnetii in blood samples from 126 bats captured in the Macaregua cave, Colombia, between 2014, 2015 and 2018 were performed. Molecular evidence of C. burnetii was found in 6.3%. Results obtained in the present study represent the first detection of C. burnetii among bats in Colombia, suggesting that more studies need to be done in order to determine the role of these animals in the eco-epidemiology of Q fever.

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Ezrin protein is involved in the interaction of actin cytoskeleton with membrane receptors such as CD44. It regulates plasma membrane dynamics and intracellular signaling. Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of Q fever, is internalized into host cell through a poorly characterized molecular mechanism. Here we analyzed the role of ezrin and CD44 in the C. burnetii internalization by HeLa cells. The knockdown of ezrin and CD44 inhibited the bacterial uptake. Interestingly, at early stages of C. burnetii internalization, ezrin was recruited to the cell membrane fraction and phosphorylated. Moreover, the overexpression of non-phosphorylatable and phosphomimetic ezrin mutants decreased and increased the bacterial entry, respectively. A decrease in the internalization of C. burnetii was observed by the overexpression of CD44 truncated forms containing the intracellular or the extracellular domains. Interestingly, the CD44 mutant was unable to interact with ERM proteins decreased the bacterial internalization. These findings demonstrate the participation of ezrin in the internalization process of C. burnetii in non-phagocytic cells. Additionally, we present evidence that CD44 receptor would be involved in that process.

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The present study aimed to investigate, by molecular techniques, the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonellaceae, Rickettsiaceae, Mycoplasmataceae, Coxiellaceae, and Babesiidae/Theileriidae agents in blood samples of free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa) and associated ticks in south-eastern Brazil. For this purpose, 67 blood samples and 265 ticks (264 Amblyomma sculptum and one Amblyomma ovale) were analysed. In the screening for Anaplasmataceae agents by a PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA gene, 5.97% blood samples and 50.54% ticks were positive. In the PCR assay for Ehrlichia spp. based on the dsb gene, 9.24% of ticks were positive. Despite the low occurrence, a possible new 16S rRNA genotype of Anaplasma sp. was detected in a wild boar's blood sample. According to phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA, gltA, and sodB genes and ITS (23S-5S rRNA) intergenic region, it was found that A. sculptum and A. ovale ticks collected from wild boars carry Ehrlichia genotypes phylogenetically associated with Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia ruminantium, and new Ehrlichia genotypes previously detected in horses, peccaries, and ticks collected from jaguars. In the screening for haemoplasmas by a qPCR based on the 16S rRNA gene, 88.06% of blood samples and 8.69% of ticks were positive. Mycoplasma suis, Mycoplasma parvum, and a possible new haemoplasma genotype were detected in wild boars in south-eastern Brazil. In the screening for Bartonella spp. using a nuoG-based qPCR assay, 3.8% of tick samples were positive. Phylogenetic inferences positioned four nuoG and one r gltA Bartonella sequences into the same clade as Bartonella machadoae. No blood or tick samples from wild boars showed to be positive in the qPCR for Coxiella burnetii based on the IS1111 gene. On the other hand, only 1.6% of ticks were positive in the nested PCR assay for piroplasmids based on the 18S rRNA gene. A 18S rRNA sequence detected in a pool of A. sculptum nymphs was phylogenetically close to Cytauxzoon felis sequences previously detected in cats from the United States. Rickettsia sp. closely related to Rickettsia bellii was detected in a pool of A. sculptum nymphs. This is the first report of haemoplasmas, B. machadoae, and Cytauxzoon spp. in A. sculptum. Wild boars and associated ticks do not seem to participate in the epidemiological cycle of C. burnetii in the region studied. This invasive mammal species may act as a potential disperser of ticks infected with Ehrlichia spp., Bartonella spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas, and Cytauxzoon, and may bring important epidemiological implications in the transmission of bartonelosis, ehrlichiosis, haemoplasmosis, and cytauxzoonosis to humans and animals, more specifically to horses, rodents, pigs, and cats.

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Resumen: La fiebre Q es una zoonosis distribuida mundialmente, causada por Coxiella burnetii. Los bovinos, ovinos y caprinos son la fuente más frecuente de infección en humanos, en los que la enfermedad es de notificación obligatoria ante el Ministerio de Salud Pública. Revisamos las publicaciones que describen casos de fiebre Q en humanos en Uruguay, con foco en sus características epidemiológicas, y discutimos las pruebas diagnósticas disponibles localmente. Se incluyeron nueve trabajos publicados e información del registro de enfermedades profesionales. Colectivamente fueron analizadas 2.715 personas con sospecha de fiebre Q entre 1956-2019, siendo 959 (35,3%) seropositivas. Los diagnósticos se basaron en serología, clínica y/o antecedentes de exposición laboral. Epidemiológicamente, el ganado o material proveniente del mismo fueron considerados las fuentes más probables de exposición en la mayoría de los casos. Según el ámbito de ocurrencia, no sistemáticamente reportado, los casos se registraron principalmente por exposición a ovinos y bovinos en frigoríficos o en la cadena cárnica (positivos/evaluados: 863/1540; seropositivos sintomáticos: 585); y en menor medida a bovinos lecheros (sector lácteo (positivos/evaluados:20/58; seropositivos sintomáticos: 17) y laboratorio diagnóstico (positivos/evaluados:2/4; seropositivos sintomáticos: 1)), o rumiantes silvestres (seropositivos/evaluados:25/117; seropositivos sintomáticos: 17). Hipertermia, cefaleas y sudoración fueron reportados. La inhalatoria fue asumida como la vía de infección en todos los casos. Actualmente no están disponibles localmente pruebas de PCR para detección de C. burnetii en humanos, siendo una limitante en el diagnóstico, particularmente en etapas tempranas. La colaboración interdisciplinaria de profesionales de salud humana y animal es esencial en el abordaje de esta zoonosis.

Summary: Q fever is a globally distributed zoonosis caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. Bovines, sheep and goats are the most frequent source of infection in humans, and it is mandatory for the latter to report the disease to the Ministry of Public Health. We reviewed the literature describing cases of Q fever in humans in Uruguay, focusing on epidemiological characteristics, and we discussed the diagnostic tests locally available. Nine published studies were included in the review, as well as the information in the professional diseases registry. 2.715 people with a suspicion of Q fever were collectively analyzed between 1956-2019, 959 (55.3%) of them being seropositive. Diagnosis were based on serology, clinical examination and/or a history of exposure while working. Epidemiologically, the cattle or material originating in it were considered as the most probable sources of exposure in most cases. Depending on the context cases arose, which were not systematically reported, they were mainly caused by exposure to sheep and cows in meat processing plants or in the meat chain (positive/evaluated: 863/1540; seropositive or symptomatic: 585); and to a lesser extent dairy cattle (milk sector (positive/evaluated: 20/58; symptomatic seropositive: 17) and diagnostic laboratory (positive/evaluated: 2/4; symptomatic seropositive: 1)) or wild ruminants (positive/evaluated: 25/117; symptomatic seropositive: 17). Hyperthermia, headaches and sweating were reported. In all cases inhalation was adopted as the source of infection. Today, there are no PCR tests to detect C. burnetii in humans available locally, what constitutes a limitation to diagnosis, in particular in early stages. Interdisciplinary collaboration between animal and human health professionals is key to approach this zoonosis.

Resumo: A febre Q é uma zoonose mundial causada por Coxiella burnetii. Bovinos, ovinos e caprinos são a fonte mais frequente de infecção em humanos, nos quais a doença é de notificação compulsória ao Ministério da Saúde Pública. Revisamos as publicações que descrevem casos de febre Q em humanos no Uruguai, enfocando em suas características epidemiológicas, e discutimos os testes diagnósticos disponíveis localmente. Foram incluídos nove trabalhos publicados e informações do registro de doenças ocupacionais. Foram analisadas 2.715 pessoas com suspeita de febre Q entre 1956-2019, das quais 959 (35,3%) eram soropositivas. Os diagnósticos foram baseados na sorologia, sintomas e/ou história de exposição ocupacional. Do ponto de vista epidemiológico, o gado ou material preveniente de gado foram considerados as fontes mais prováveis de exposição na maioria dos casos. De acordo com o lugar de ocorrência, não notificado sistematicamente, os casos foram registrados principalmente por exposição a ovinos e bovinos em matadouros ou na cadeia da carne (positivos/avaliados: 863/1540; soropositivos sintomáticos: 585); e em menor proporção gado leiteiro (setor leiteiro (positivo/avaliado: 20/58; soropositivo sintomático: 17) e laboratório de diagnóstico (positivo/avaliado: 2/4; soropositivo sintomático: 1)), ou ruminantes silvestres (soropositivo/avaliado: 25/117; soropositivos sintomáticos: 17). Hipertermia, dores de cabeça e sudorese foram relatados. A inalação foi assumida como via de infecção em todos os casos. Atualmente, os testes de PCR para detecção de C. burnetii em humanos não estão disponíveis localmente, sendo uma limitação no diagnóstico, principalmente em estágios iniciais. A colaboração interdisciplinar de profissionais de saúde humana e animal é essencial no enfrentamento dessa zoonose.

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BACKGROUND: Q fever is among the top 13 global priority zoonoses, however, it is still neglected and under-reported in most of the world, including Brazil. Thus, we evaluated the seroprevalence of and the risk factors for Coxiella burnetii infections in humans from Minas Gerais, a highly urbanised Brazilian state. METHODS: Coxiella burnetii was searched for patient samples (n=437), which were suspected of then later confirmed as negative for dengue fever, by the indirect immunofluorescence technique and real-time PCR. Risk factors for infections and spatial clusters for both C. burnetii-seropositive individuals and livestock concentration were evaluated. RESULTS: We found that 21 samples (4.8%; 95% CI 3.0 to 7.2%) were reactive for at least one class of anti-C. burnetii antibodies (titer of ≥64), with rural residence (p=0.036) being a risk factor. Also, two spatial clusters of seropositivity were found within a significant area by Scan, and a probable relationship between the Scan result and the livestock concentration by area was found. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositive individuals were associated with rural residence, with a likely relationship with the livestock concentration. Thus, this study establishes baseline figures for C. burnetii seroprevalence in humans in a state of Brazil, allowing the monitoring of trends and setting of control targets, as well as more representative longitudinal and risk analysis studies.

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Q fever, caused by the γ-proteobacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis of great importance and global impact. This agent has high transmissibility and can spread over long distances via wind, in which a small number of aerosolized particles are needed to infect susceptible hosts. The clinical diagnosis of Q fever is difficult owing to the variety of clinical signs shared with other diseases. In Brazil, studies related to C. burnetii are constantly being conducted, and this review aims to increase the number of approaches already studied, leading to the following question: is Q fever an unknown, neglected disease, or does it have a focal occurrence in certain areas (exotic/rare) in the country?(AU)

A febre Q, causada pela γ-proteobactéria Coxiella burnetii, é uma zoonose de grande importância e impacto global. Este agente tem alta transmissibilidade e pode se espalhar por longas distâncias via vento, em que um pequeno número de partículas aerossolizadas são necessárias para infectar hospedeiros suscetíveis. O diagnóstico clínico da febre Q é difícil devido à variedade de sinais clínicos compartilhados com outras doenças. No Brasil, estudos relacionados à C. burnetii são constantemente realizados. Esta revisão visa aumentar o número de abordagens já estudadas, levando ao seguinte questionamento: a febre Q é uma doença desconhecida, negligenciada ou tem ocorrência focal em certas áreas (exóticas/raras) no país?(AU)

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Mammals have evolved sophisticated host cell death signaling pathways as an important immune mechanism to recognize and eliminate cell intruders before they establish their replicative niche. However, intracellular bacterial pathogens that have co-evolved with their host have developed a multitude of tactics to counteract this defense strategy to facilitate their survival and replication. This requires manipulation of pro-death and pro-survival host signaling pathways during infection. Obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens are organisms that absolutely require an eukaryotic host to survive and replicate, and therefore they have developed virulence factors to prevent diverse forms of host cell death and conserve their replicative niche. This review encapsulates our current understanding of these host-pathogen interactions by exploring the most relevant findings of Anaplasma spp., Chlamydia spp., Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii modulating host cell death pathways. A detailed comprehension of the molecular mechanisms through which these obligate intracellular pathogens manipulate regulated host cell death will not only increase the current understanding of these difficult-to-study pathogens but also provide insights into new tools to study regulated cell death and the development of new therapeutic approaches to control infection.

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We herein described a case of acute infection by Coxiella burnetii (acute Q fever) that started with a short incubation period and showed prominent dermatological manifestations and unusual serological behavior. The infection was confirmed by molecular detection through real-time polymerase chain reaction using genomic DNA collected from peripheral blood.

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Ticks are one of the main vectors of pathogens for humans and animals worldwide. However, they harbor non-pathogenic microorganisms that are important for their survival, facilitating both their nutrition and immunity. We investigated the bacterial communities associated with two neotropical tick species of human and veterinary potential health importance from Brazil: Amblyomma aureolatum and Ornithodoros brasiliensis. In A. aureolatum (adult ticks collected from wild canids from Southern Brazil), the predominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria (98.68%), Tenericutes (0.70%), Bacteroidetes (0.14%), Actinobacteria (0.13%), and Acidobacteria (0.05%). The predominant genera were Francisella (97.01%), Spiroplasma (0.70%), Wolbachia (0.51%), Candidatus Midichloria (0.25%), and Alkanindiges (0.13%). The predominant phyla in O. brasiliensis (adults, fed and unfed nymphs collected at the environment from Southern Brazil) were Proteobacteria (90.27%), Actinobacteria (7.38%), Firmicutes (0.77%), Bacteroidetes (0.44%), and Planctomycetes (0.22%). The predominant bacterial genera were Coxiella (87.71%), Nocardioides (1.73%), Saccharopolyspora (0.54%), Marmoricola (0.42%), and Staphylococcus (0.40%). Considering the genera with potential importance for human and animal health which can be transmitted by ticks, Coxiella sp. was found in all stages of O. brasiliensis, Francisella sp. in all stages of A. aureolatum and in unfed nymphs of O. brasiliensis, and Rickettsia sp. in females of A. aureolatum from Banhado dos Pachecos (BP) in Viamão municipality, Brazil, and in females and unfed nymphs of O. brasiliensis. These results deepen our understanding of the tick-microbiota relationship in Ixodidae and Argasidae, driving new studies with the focus on the manipulation of tick microbiota to prevent outbreaks of tick-borne diseases in South America.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we report on the state of knowledge about human Q fever in Brazil and on the Guiana Shield, an Amazonian region located in northeastern South America. There is a contrast between French Guiana, where the incidence of this disease is the highest in the world, and other countries where this disease is practically non-existent. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings are essentially in French Guiana where a unique strain MST17 has been identified; it is probably more virulent than those usually found with a particularly marked pulmonary tropism, a mysterious animal reservoir, a geographical distribution that raises questions. SUMMARY: Q fever is a bacterial zoonosis due to Coxiella burnetii that has been reported worldwide. On the Guiana Shield, a region mostly covered by Amazonian forest, which encompasses the Venezuelan State of Bolivar, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and the Brazilian State of Amapá, the situation is very heterogeneous. While French Guiana is the region reporting the highest incidence of this disease in the world, with a single infecting clone (MST 117) and a unique epidemiological cycle, it has hardly ever been reported in other countries in the region. This absence of cases raises many questions and is probably due to massive under-diagnosis. Studies should estimate comprehensively the true burden of this disease in the region.