Risk factors influencing Coxiella burnetii seropositivity in water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) populations of Egypt’s Nile Delta

Abstract

This study investigated the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in buffaloes across several governorates in Egypt’s Nile Delta. No significant variation was observed between regions (P > 0.05), although the highest prevalence was recorded in Kafr El-Sheikh (15.5%) and the lowest in Menofia (9.1%). While sex was not statistically significant, females showed a higher seroprevalence (12.4%) than males (9%). Age had a significant impact, with buffaloes over 8 years of age showed a higher prevalence (21.6%) compared to the younger age groups. Tick infestation was also significantly associated with infection, with a prevalence of 22.4% in infested animals. Buffaloes exposed to communal grazing (13.8%) or kept in contact with small ruminants (16.3%) showed increased seropositivity. Notably, animals with a history of abortion had a markedly higher prevalence (26.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age above 8 years (OR = 6.7), tick infestation (OR = 3.0), contact with small ruminants (OR = 3.0), and abortion history (OR = 3.2) as significant risk factors. Communal grazing (OR = 1.9) and age between 5 and 8 years (OR = 2.2) were also associated with increased odds of seropositivity. These findings highlight key epidemiological factors contributing to C. burnetii infection risk in buffaloes.