Abstract

Alpha Arsida Barry*, Lansana II Soumah, Ouo-Ouo Balamou and Ibrahima Sory Sow

ABSTRACT

Q fever or Query Fever (fever to be elucidated) is a zoonosis described for the first time by Derrick in 1935 among employees of a slaughterhouse in Brisbane (Queensland, Australia). The study is justified by the fact that Q fever exists in Guinea but it is little studied and unknown to populations outside certain circles such as veterinary services and biomedical research centers. The objective of the study is to estimate the incidence of Q fever in cattle in four prefectures of Guinea (Kindia, Kissidougou, Guéckédou and N'Zérékoré). The analysis of 786 bovine blood samples detected 385 samples positive for C. burnetii, the prefectures of Guinée Forestière (Kissidougou, Guéckédou and N'Zérékoré) were the areas where the detection of C. burnetii DNA was the highest with a total of 347 positive cases, i.e. a prevalence of 44.15%. In the Kindia area in Lower Guinea, 38 positive cases were detected, i.e. a prevalence of 4.83% and the whole corresponded to a total prevalence of 48.98%. The detection of C. burnetii DNA in the cattle subjected to this study confirms the circulation of C. burnetii in the areas investigated (Kindia and Guinée Forestière). Indeed, this disease would hinder the economic profitability of livestock and threaten public health in Guinea.