Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in vaginal and rectal swab samples of small ruminants from Kermanshah Province, western Iran

Key Points

• Investigate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in small ruminants and identify factors influencing abortion rates.
• Conducted molecular detection of C. burnetii in vaginal and rectal swabs
• Included assessments for other pathogens like Brucella melitensis and Chlamydia abortus
• Employed longitudinal sampling for increased accuracy
• Identified low shedding rates of C. burnetii in animals with a history of abortion
• Suggested that other pathogens may be involved in reproductive losses
• Emphasized the need for multi-pathogen surveillance to clarify abortion causes