Oral communication in XVII Congreso de Investigación de Estudiantes de Grado en Ciencias de la Salud. XXI Congreso de Ciencias Veterinarias y Biomédicas. II Congreso de Ciencias Experimentales en el Campo de la Salud

April 4^th, 2025

Lopez-Sanchez C.

Q fever is an emerging zoonosis caused by the multi-host bacterium Coxiella burnetii, with a worldwide distribution that affects a high number of animal species. Spain is one of the countries with the highest number of cases reported annually to the ECDC. Ruminants are the main source of infection for humans, although wildlife plays a relevant role as a reservoir of this pathogen. The populations of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) are increasing due to factors such as characteristics of the species, the region, and changes in the patterns of interaction between domestic animals, wildlife and humans. Previous studies in different areas of Spain indicate the presence of C. burnetii in these species. However, the prevalence of this bacterium in lagomorphs in the Community of Madrid (CM) is unknown, so determining it was the aim of this study. A total of 97 rabbits and 1 hare were collected within the CM`s surveillance and control program for leishmaniasis and other vector-borne zoonotic diseases in 2025 were analyzed. 98 liver and spleen samples, 47 vaginal swabs and 13 stool samples were collected for real-time PCR and liver exudate was obtained from 82 samples for an ELISA assay. No C. burnetii DNA was detected in any of the samples. However, in the ELISA, 6/82 animals (7.32%) were positive, 3/82 (3.66%) were doubtful and 73/82 (89.0%) were negative. Although the PCR results are negative, the detection of antibodies in different animals suggests that C. burnetii is currently circulating in the CM`s lagomorph population, so these populations must continue to be monitored due to the impact of Q fever on Public Health

	Servicio de Zoonosis Emergentes, de Baja Prevalencia y Agresivos Biológicos (NED). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM).