Dairy Goat

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Jinlian Hua - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • mir 204 regulates the proliferation of Dairy Goat spermatogonial stem cells via targeting to sirt1
    Rejuvenation Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Bowen Niu, Chunling Bai, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    The regulation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) proliferation and self-renewal is a complex process. Several studies on the microRNA regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis have been reported. Here, we predicted miRNA targeting of Sirt1, and a dual luciferase experiment confirmed that miR-204 interacted with the Sirt1 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). The expression of miR-204 and Sirt1 in Dairy Goat testicles was investigated, and the results showed that the expression pattern of Sirt1 was similar to that of miR-204 in the temporal-spatial distribution. The over-expression of Sirt1 in Goat SSCs can promote SSCs' self-renewal gene expression and cell proliferation. Furthermore, miRNA sequencing results showed that Sirt1 had a higher expression level in Dairy Goat CD49f(+) and CD90(+) SSCs, but the expression level of miR-204 was lower. In an in vitro assay, Sirt1 was significantly down-regulated in Dairy Goat SSCs when transfected with miR-204 mimics, indicating that Sirt1 was a target of miR-204 in the Dairy Goat. On the basis of the results of RT-qPCR, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and western blotting, we found that the over-expression of Sirt1 in Goat SSCs can promote cellular proliferation and change self-renewal and pluripotent gene expression. Thus, miR-204 was involved in the regulation of Dairy Goat SSCs proliferation via Sirt1.

  • cd49f positive testicular cells in saanen Dairy Goat were identified as spermatogonia like cells by mirna profiling analysis
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mingzhi Liao, Haijing Zhu, Zhiwei Niu, Wencong Song, Chunling Bai, Kai Kang, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    miRNAs, a type of small RNA, play critical roles in mammalian spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia are the foundation of spermatogenesis and are valuable for the study of spermatogenesis. However, the expression profiling of the miRNAs in spermatogonia of Dairy Goats remains unclear. CD49f has been one of the surface markers used for spermatogonia enrichment by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Therefore, we used a CD49f microbead antibody to purify CD49f-positive and -negative cells of Dairy Goat testicular cells by MACS and then analysed the miRNA expression in these cells in depth using Illumina sequencing technology. The results of miRNA expression profiling in purified CD49f-positive and -negative testicular cells showed that 933 miRNAs were upregulated in CD49f-positive cells and 916 miRNAs were upregulated in CD49f-negative cells with a twofold increase, respectively; several miRNAs and marker genes specific for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis had a higher expression level in CD49f-positive testicular cells, including miR-221, miR-23a, miR-29b, miR-24, miR-29a, miR-199b, miR-199a, miR-27a, and miR-21 and CD90, Gfra1, and Plzf. The bioinformatics analysis of differently expressed miRNAs indicated that the target genes of these miRNAs in CD49f-positive cells were involved in cell-cycle biological processes and the cell-cycle KEGG pathway. In conclusion, our comparative miRNAome data provide useful miRNA profiling data of Dairy Goat spermatogonia cells and suggest that CD49f could be used to enrich Dairy Goat spermatogonia-like cells, including SSCs.

  • characterization of immortalized Dairy Goat male germline stem cells mgscs
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2014
    Co-Authors: Haijing Zhu, Zhiwei Niu, Wencong Song, Liming Zheng, Shanting Zhao, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Malegermlinestemcells(mGSCs),inchargeforthefertilityinmaletestis,aretheonlykindofadultstemcellsthattransmitgeneticinformation to next generation, with promising prospects in germplasm resources preservation and optimization, and production of transgenic animals. Mousemalegermlinestemcelllineshavebeenestablishedandarevaluableforstudyingthemechanismsofspermatogenesis.However,thereis a lack of stable mGSC cell lines in livestock, which restricts the progress of transgenic research and related biotechnology. Here, we firstly established an immortalized Dairy Goat mGSC cell line to study the biological properties and the signaling pathways associated with mGSCs self-renewal and differentiation. The ectopic factors SV40 large T antigen and Bmi1 genes were transduced into Dairy Goat mGSCs, and the results showed that the proliferation of these cells that were named mGSCs-I-SB was improved significantly. They maintained the typical characteristics including the expression of mGSC markers, and the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers, sperm-like cells in vitro. Additionally, mGSCs-I-SB survived and differentiated into three germ layer cell types when they were transplanted into chicken embryos. Importantly, the cells also survived in mouse spermatogenesis deficiency model testis which seemed to be the golden standard to examine mGSCs. Conclusively, our results demonstrate that mGSCs-I-SB present the characteristics of mGSCs and may promote the future study on Goat mGSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1549–1560, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  • promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger maintains self renewal of male germline stem cells mgscs and its expression pattern in Dairy Goat testis
    Cell Proliferation, 2013
    Co-Authors: Wencong Song, Haijing Zhu, Weishuai Liu, Xiangping Yao, Wei Han, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Objectives Previous studies have shown that promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) is a spermatogonia-specific transcription factor in the testis, required to regulate self-renewal and maintenance of the spermatogonia stem cell. Up to now, expression and function of PLZF in the Goat testis has not been known. The objectives of this study were to investigate PLZF expression pattern in the Dairy Goat and its effect on male Goat germline stem cell (mGSC) self-renewal and differentiation. Materials and methods Testis development and expression patterns of PLZF in the Dairy Goat were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, effects of PLZF overexpression on mGSC self-renewal and differentiation were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR), immunofluorescence and BrdU incorporation assay. Results Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger was essential for Dairy Goat testis development and expression of several proliferation and pluripotency-associated proteins including OCT4, C-MYC were upregulated by PLZF overexpression. The study demonstrated that PLZF played a key role in maintaining self-renewal of mGSCs and its overexpression enhanced expression of proliferation-associated genes. Conclusions Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger could function in the Dairy Goat as well as in other species in maintaining self-renewal of germline stem cells and this study provides a model to study the mechanism on self-renewal and differentiation of mGSCs in livestock.

  • mir 34c works downstream of p53 leading to Dairy Goat male germline stem cell mgscs apoptosis
    Cell Proliferation, 2013
    Co-Authors: Chao Liu, Haijing Zhu, Sha Peng, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Objectives Recent lines of evidence have indicated that miR-34c can play important roles in regulation of the cell cycle, cell senescence and apoptosis of mouse and human tumour cells, spermatogenesis, and male germ-cell apoptosis. However, there is little information on the effects of miR-34c on proliferation and apoptosis of livestock male germ cells. The Dairy Goat is a convenient domestic species for biological investigation and application. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-34c on apoptosis and proliferation of Dairy Goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs), as well as to determine the relationship between p53 and miR-34c in this species. Materials and methods Morphological observation, miRNA in situ hybridisation (ISH), bromodeoxyuridine staining, flow cytometry, quantitative-RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and western blotting were utilized to ascertain apoptosis and proliferation of mGSCs, through transfection of miR-34c mimics (miR-34c), miR-34c inhibitor (anti-miR-34c), miR-34c mimics and inhibitors co-transfected (mixture) compared to control groups. Results Results manifested that miR-34c over-expression promoted mGSCs apoptosis and suppressed their proliferation. Simultaneously, a variety of apoptosis-related gene expression was increased while some proliferation-related genes were downregulated. Accordingly, miR-34c promoted apoptosis in mGSCs and reduced their proliferation; moreover, expression of miR-34c was p53-dependent. Conclusions This study is the first to provide a model for study of miRNAs and mechanisms of proliferation and apoptosis in male Dairy Goat germ cells.

Yuxuan Song - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • circrna 9119 regulates the expression of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 ptgs2 by sponging mir 26a in the endometrial epithelial cells of Dairy Goat
    Reproduction Fertility and Development, 2018
    Co-Authors: Lei Zhang, Xiaorui Liu, Sicheng Che, Jiuzeng Cui, Yuexia Liu, Binyun Cao, Yuxuan Song
    Abstract:

    Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to play important functional roles in epigenetic regulation under certain physiological and pathological conditions. However, knowledge of circRNAs during the development of receptive endometrium (RE) from pre-RE is limited. In the RE of Dairy Goats, higher circRNA-9119 levels, with lower miR-26a and higher prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) levels, were detected. Further study showed that circRNA-9119 decreased levels of miR-26a by acting as a microRNA sponge, and that miR-26a downregulated the expression of PTGS2 via the predicted target site in endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) of Dairy Goats in vitro. In this way, circRNA-9119 functioned as a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) that sequestered miR-26a, thereby protecting PTGS2 transcripts from miR-26a-mediated suppression in Dairy Goat EECs in vitro. Furthermore, PTGS2 participated in the regulation of some protein markers for endometrial receptivity in Dairy Goat EECs in vitro. Thus, a circRNA-9119-miR-26a-PTGS2 pathway in the endometrium was identified, and modulation of circRNA-9119-miR-26a-PTGS2 expression in EECs may emerge as a potential target to regulate the development of RE.

  • Screening of seven microsatellite markers for litter size in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat
    African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Yuxuan Song, Jiangang Wang
    Abstract:

    Seven microsatellite markers OarAE101, BM1329, OarHH55, BM143, BMS2508, OarAE129 and OarFCB11 closely associated with high reproduction trait in sheep were analyzed for polymorphisms in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat. The results indicated that there were high genetic polymorphisms at six microsatellite loci. The number of effective alleles (Ne), polymorphism information content (PIC) and average heterozygosity (He) were the highest at OarFCB11 and the lowest at OarAE129 in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat. The analysis of the effect of the six polymorphisms microsatellite loci on the litter size of Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat indicated that these polymorphisms microsatellite loci had positive effect on the litter size. Key words: Microsatellite markers, Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat, genetic polymorphism, litter size.

  • Screening of seven microsatellite markers for litter size in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat
    African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011
    Co-Authors: Yuxuan Song, Jiangang Wang
    Abstract:

    Seven microsatellite markers OarAE101, BM1329, OarHH55, BM143, BMS2508, OarAE129 and OarFCB11 closely associated with high reproduction trait in sheep were analyzed for polymorphisms in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat. The results indicated that there were high genetic polymorphisms at six microsatellite loci. The number of effective alleles (Ne), polymorphism information content (PIC) and average heterozygosity (He) were the highest at OarFCB11 and the lowest at OarAE129 in Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat. The analysis of the effect of the six polymorphisms microsatellite loci on the litter size of Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat indicated that these polymorphisms microsatellite loci had positive effect on the litter size. Key words: Microsatellite markers, Xinong Saanen Dairy Goat, genetic polymorphism, litter size.

Haijing Zhu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • cd49f positive testicular cells in saanen Dairy Goat were identified as spermatogonia like cells by mirna profiling analysis
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2014
    Co-Authors: Mingzhi Liao, Haijing Zhu, Zhiwei Niu, Wencong Song, Chunling Bai, Kai Kang, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    miRNAs, a type of small RNA, play critical roles in mammalian spermatogenesis. Spermatogonia are the foundation of spermatogenesis and are valuable for the study of spermatogenesis. However, the expression profiling of the miRNAs in spermatogonia of Dairy Goats remains unclear. CD49f has been one of the surface markers used for spermatogonia enrichment by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). Therefore, we used a CD49f microbead antibody to purify CD49f-positive and -negative cells of Dairy Goat testicular cells by MACS and then analysed the miRNA expression in these cells in depth using Illumina sequencing technology. The results of miRNA expression profiling in purified CD49f-positive and -negative testicular cells showed that 933 miRNAs were upregulated in CD49f-positive cells and 916 miRNAs were upregulated in CD49f-negative cells with a twofold increase, respectively; several miRNAs and marker genes specific for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testis had a higher expression level in CD49f-positive testicular cells, including miR-221, miR-23a, miR-29b, miR-24, miR-29a, miR-199b, miR-199a, miR-27a, and miR-21 and CD90, Gfra1, and Plzf. The bioinformatics analysis of differently expressed miRNAs indicated that the target genes of these miRNAs in CD49f-positive cells were involved in cell-cycle biological processes and the cell-cycle KEGG pathway. In conclusion, our comparative miRNAome data provide useful miRNA profiling data of Dairy Goat spermatogonia cells and suggest that CD49f could be used to enrich Dairy Goat spermatogonia-like cells, including SSCs.

  • characterization of immortalized Dairy Goat male germline stem cells mgscs
    Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2014
    Co-Authors: Haijing Zhu, Zhiwei Niu, Wencong Song, Liming Zheng, Shanting Zhao, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Malegermlinestemcells(mGSCs),inchargeforthefertilityinmaletestis,aretheonlykindofadultstemcellsthattransmitgeneticinformation to next generation, with promising prospects in germplasm resources preservation and optimization, and production of transgenic animals. Mousemalegermlinestemcelllineshavebeenestablishedandarevaluableforstudyingthemechanismsofspermatogenesis.However,thereis a lack of stable mGSC cell lines in livestock, which restricts the progress of transgenic research and related biotechnology. Here, we firstly established an immortalized Dairy Goat mGSC cell line to study the biological properties and the signaling pathways associated with mGSCs self-renewal and differentiation. The ectopic factors SV40 large T antigen and Bmi1 genes were transduced into Dairy Goat mGSCs, and the results showed that the proliferation of these cells that were named mGSCs-I-SB was improved significantly. They maintained the typical characteristics including the expression of mGSC markers, and the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers, sperm-like cells in vitro. Additionally, mGSCs-I-SB survived and differentiated into three germ layer cell types when they were transplanted into chicken embryos. Importantly, the cells also survived in mouse spermatogenesis deficiency model testis which seemed to be the golden standard to examine mGSCs. Conclusively, our results demonstrate that mGSCs-I-SB present the characteristics of mGSCs and may promote the future study on Goat mGSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1549–1560, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  • promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger maintains self renewal of male germline stem cells mgscs and its expression pattern in Dairy Goat testis
    Cell Proliferation, 2013
    Co-Authors: Wencong Song, Haijing Zhu, Weishuai Liu, Xiangping Yao, Wei Han, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Objectives Previous studies have shown that promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) is a spermatogonia-specific transcription factor in the testis, required to regulate self-renewal and maintenance of the spermatogonia stem cell. Up to now, expression and function of PLZF in the Goat testis has not been known. The objectives of this study were to investigate PLZF expression pattern in the Dairy Goat and its effect on male Goat germline stem cell (mGSC) self-renewal and differentiation. Materials and methods Testis development and expression patterns of PLZF in the Dairy Goat were analysed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, effects of PLZF overexpression on mGSC self-renewal and differentiation were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR (QRT-PCR), immunofluorescence and BrdU incorporation assay. Results Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger was essential for Dairy Goat testis development and expression of several proliferation and pluripotency-associated proteins including OCT4, C-MYC were upregulated by PLZF overexpression. The study demonstrated that PLZF played a key role in maintaining self-renewal of mGSCs and its overexpression enhanced expression of proliferation-associated genes. Conclusions Promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger could function in the Dairy Goat as well as in other species in maintaining self-renewal of germline stem cells and this study provides a model to study the mechanism on self-renewal and differentiation of mGSCs in livestock.

  • mir 34c works downstream of p53 leading to Dairy Goat male germline stem cell mgscs apoptosis
    Cell Proliferation, 2013
    Co-Authors: Chao Liu, Haijing Zhu, Sha Peng, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Objectives Recent lines of evidence have indicated that miR-34c can play important roles in regulation of the cell cycle, cell senescence and apoptosis of mouse and human tumour cells, spermatogenesis, and male germ-cell apoptosis. However, there is little information on the effects of miR-34c on proliferation and apoptosis of livestock male germ cells. The Dairy Goat is a convenient domestic species for biological investigation and application. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-34c on apoptosis and proliferation of Dairy Goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs), as well as to determine the relationship between p53 and miR-34c in this species. Materials and methods Morphological observation, miRNA in situ hybridisation (ISH), bromodeoxyuridine staining, flow cytometry, quantitative-RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) and western blotting were utilized to ascertain apoptosis and proliferation of mGSCs, through transfection of miR-34c mimics (miR-34c), miR-34c inhibitor (anti-miR-34c), miR-34c mimics and inhibitors co-transfected (mixture) compared to control groups. Results Results manifested that miR-34c over-expression promoted mGSCs apoptosis and suppressed their proliferation. Simultaneously, a variety of apoptosis-related gene expression was increased while some proliferation-related genes were downregulated. Accordingly, miR-34c promoted apoptosis in mGSCs and reduced their proliferation; moreover, expression of miR-34c was p53-dependent. Conclusions This study is the first to provide a model for study of miRNAs and mechanisms of proliferation and apoptosis in male Dairy Goat germ cells.

  • Expression of miR-34c in response to overexpression of Boule and Stra8 in Dairy Goat male germ line stem cells (mGSCs).
    Cell biochemistry and function, 2013
    Co-Authors: Chao Liu, Haijing Zhu, Jinlian Hua
    Abstract:

    Reproduction is required for the survival of all mammalian animals. Spermatogenesis is an essential and complex developmental process that ultimately results in production of haploid spermatozoa. Recent studies demonstrated that Boule and stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8) played important roles in initiation meiosis in male germ cells. miR-34c is indispensable in the late steps of spermatogenesis; remarkably, the main function of miR-34c is to reduce cell proliferation potentiality and promote cellular apoptosis. The objectives of this study were to investigate the expression patterns of Boule, Stra8, P53 and miR-34c in Dairy Goat testis and their relationship in male germ line stem cells (mGSCs). The results first revealed the expression patterns of Boule, Stra8, P53 and miR-34c in 30 dpp, 90 dpp and adult testes of Dairy Goats. The expression levels of Boule, Stra8, P53 and miR-34c in adult Dairy Goat testes were significantly higher than that of 30 dpp. Overexpression of Boule and Stra8 promoted the expression of miR-34c in Dairy Goat mGSCs. In our previous study, we showed that miR-34c was P53 dependent in mGSCs. These results have shown that the up-regulation of miR-34c was not due to P53 protein activation but which might be caused by the up-regulation of Boule and Stra8 promoting the advance of meiosis. In addition, we found retinoic acid would decrease the expression of P53 and miR-34c, however, did not change the expression of c-Myc greatly. It suggested that the function of driving differentiation of Dairy Goat mGSCs by retinoic acid might not be caused by P53. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

M Luini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • short communication prevalence of staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant s aureus in bulk tank milk from Dairy Goat farms in northern italy
    Journal of Dairy Science, 2015
    Co-Authors: C Cortimiglia, V Bianchini, Alessia Franco, Andrea Caprioli, Antonio Battisti, L Colombo, K Stradiotto, F Vezzoli, M Luini
    Abstract:

    Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as a leading cause of mastitis in Goats. However, few data are available on the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in this species. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA in bulk tank milk samples from Dairy Goat farms in Northern Italy. Eighty-five out of 197 samples (43.1%) tested positive for S. aureus with counts ranging from 10 to more than 1.5 × 10(4) cfu/mL. The MRSA was screened by both direct plating followed by a disk diffusion test to evaluate methicillin resistance and a selective enrichment method. Methicillin-resistance was confirmed by mecA-specific PCR. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus was identified in 4 samples (2.0%) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed the presence of livestock-associated MRSA belonging to lineages ST398 (n = 3) and ST1 (n = 1). In one case we demonstrated that the same MRSA strain was able to persist over time on the farm, being isolated from both bulk tank milk and the udder of 3 Goats 1 yr after the first isolation. The high prevalence of S. aureus-positive herds detected in this study and the presence of MRSA strains belonging to livestock-associated genotypes is of concern, and represents a novel finding in the Italian Dairy Goat production system. The application of stringent measures for the control of S. aureus mastitis at the farm level seems appropriate to reduce the economic losses, and to minimize the risk of foodborne illness and the transmission of MRSA to humans by occupational exposure.

Piet Vellema - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • seroprevalence and risk factors for coxiella burnetii q fever seropositivity in Dairy Goat farmers households in the netherlands 2009 2010
    PLOS ONE, 2012
    Co-Authors: Barbara Schimmer, Piet Vellema, P M Schneeberger, Anke Lenferink, Helen Aangenend, Jeannine L A Hautvast, Yvonne T H P Van Duynhoven
    Abstract:

    Community Q fever epidemics occurred in the Netherlands in 2007–2009, with Dairy Goat and Dairy sheep farms as the implicated source. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for seropositivity in Dairy Goat farmers and their household members living or working on these farms. Sera of 268 people living or working on 111 Dairy Goat farms were tested for Coxiella burnetii IgG and IgM antibodies using immunofluorescence assay. Seroprevalences in farmers, spouses and children (12–17 years) were 73.5%, 66.7%, and 57.1%, respectively. Risk factors for seropositivity were: performing three or more daily Goat-related tasks, farm location in the two southern provinces of the country, proximity to bulk milk-positive farms, distance from the nearest stable to residence of 10 meters or less, presence of cats and multiple Goat breeds in the stable, covering stable air spaces and staff not wearing farm boots. Goat farmers have a high risk to acquire this occupational infection. Clinicians should consider Q fever in this population presenting with compatible symptoms to allow timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe sequelae. Based on the risk factors identified, strengthening general biosecurity measures is recommended such as consistently wearing boots and protective clothing by farm staff to avoid indirect transmission and avoiding access of companion animals in the Goat stable. Furthermore, it provides an evidence base for continuation of the current vaccination policy for small ruminants, preventing spread from contaminated farms to other farms in the vicinity. Finally, vaccination of seronegative farmers and household members could be considered.

  • coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk samples from Dairy Goat and Dairy sheep farms in the netherlands in 2008
    Veterinary Record, 2012
    Co-Authors: R Van Den Brom, E Van Engelen, Saskia Luttikholt, L Moll, K Van Maanen, Piet Vellema
    Abstract:

    In 2007, a human Q fever epidemic started, mainly in the south eastern part of The Netherlands with a suspected indirect relation to Dairy Goats, and, to a lesser degree, to Dairy sheep. This article describes the Q fever prevalences in Dutch Dairy Goat and Dairy sheep bulk tank milk (BTM) samples, using a real-time (RT) PCR and ELISA. Results of BTM PCR and ELISA were compared with the serological status of individual animals, and correlations with a history of Q fever abortion were determined. When compared with ELISA results, the optimal cut-off value for the RT-PCR was 100 bacteria/ml. In 2008, there were 392 farms with more than 200 Dairy Goats, of which 292 submitted a BTM sample. Of these samples, 96 (32.9 per cent) were PCR positive and 87 (29.8 per cent) were ELISA positive. All farms with a history of Q fever abortion (n=17) were ELISA positive, 16 out of 17 were also PCR positive. BTM PCR or ELISA positive farms had significantly higher within-herd seroprevalences than BTM negative farms. In the south eastern provinces, the area where the human Q fever outbreak started in 2007, a significantly larger proportion of the BTM samples was PCR and ELISA positive compared to the rest of The Netherlands. None of the BTM samples from Dairy sheep farms (n=16) were PCR positive but three of these farms were ELISA positive. The higher percentage of BTM positive farms in the area where the human Q fever outbreak started, supports the suspected relation between human cases and infected Dairy Goat farms.

  • the 2007 2010 q fever epidemic in the netherlands characteristics of notified acute q fever patients and the association with Dairy Goat farming
    Fems Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 2012
    Co-Authors: F Dijkstra, Barbara Schimmer, Piet Vellema, Wiebe Van Der Hoek, Nancy Wijers, Ariene Rietveld, C J Wijkmans, P M Schneeberger
    Abstract:

    We describe the Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands with emphasis on the epidemiological characteristics of acute Q fever patients and the association with veterinary factors. Data from 3264 notifications for acute Q fever in the period from 2007 through 2009 were analysed. The patients most affected were men, smokers and persons aged 40-60 years. Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation (62% in 2007 and 2008). Only 3.2% of the patients were working in the agriculture sector and 0.5% in the meat-processing industry including abattoirs. Dairy Goat farms with Coxiella burnetii-induced abortion waves were mainly located in the same area where human cases occurred. Airborne transmission of contaminated dust particles from commercial Dairy Goat farms in densely populated areas has probably caused this epidemic. In 2010, there was a sharp decline in the number of notified cases following the implementation of control measures on Dairy Goat and sheep farms such as vaccination, hygiene measures and culling of pregnant animals on infected farms. In combination with a rise in the human population with antibodies against C. burnetii, these have most likely ended the outbreak. Development of chronic Q fever in infected patients remains an important problem for years to come.

  • the use of a geographic information system to identify a Dairy Goat farm as the most likely source of an urban q fever outbreak
    BMC Infectious Diseases, 2010
    Co-Authors: Barbara Schimmer, Ronald Ter Schegget, Marjolijn Wegdam, Lothar Zuchner, Thijs Veenstra, Peter M. Schneeberger, Arnout De Bruin, Piet Vellema, Wiebe Van Der Hoek
    Abstract:

    Background: A Q-fever outbreak occurred in an urban area in the south of the Netherlands in May 2008. The distribution and timing of cases suggested a common source. We studied the spatial relationship between the residence locations of human cases and nearby small ruminant farms, of which one Dairy Goat farm had experienced abortions due to Q-fever since mid April 2008. A generic geographic information system (GIS) was used to develop a method for source detection in the still evolving major epidemic of Q-fever in the Netherlands. Methods: All notified Q-fever cases in the area were interviewed. Postal codes of cases and of small ruminant farms (size >40 animals) located within 5 kilometres of the cluster area were geo-referenced as point locations in a GIS-model. For each farm, attack rates and relative risks were calculated for 5 concentric zones adding 1 kilometre at a time, using the 5-10 kilometres zone as reference. These data were linked to the results of veterinary investigations. Results: Persons living within 2 kilometres of an affected Dairy Goat farm (>400 animals) had a much higher risk for Q-fever than those living more than 5 kilometres away (Relative risk 31.1 [95% CI 16.4-59.1]). Conclusions: The study supported the hypothesis that a single Dairy Goat farm was the source of the human outbreak. GIS-based attack rate analysis is a promising tool for source detection in outbreaks of human Q-fever.