Rickettsia and Coxiella Infection Surveillance in Georgia and Azerbaijan
Abstract
Rickettsiae and rickettsia-like organisms are public health concerns globally. Importantly, Rickettsia prowazekii (epidemic typhus) and Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) are Category B Select Agents. Since the 1930’s, sporadic reports of rickettsial cases and outbreaks in Georgia have occurred. One study (2008-2010) showed 3.4% of 386 acute undifferentiated fever (AUF) cases were positive for antibodies against typhus group Rickettsia. A TADR project (2008-2009) identified three pathogenic species of Rickettsia in ectoparasites: R. aeschlimannii, R. raoultii, and R. slovaca and subsequently, TAP-12 revealed six additional tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiae. GG-20 found an average incidence of C. burnetii in 1.56% of animals (goats, sheep, and cattle). In Azerbaijan, TAP-2 demonstrated a seroprevalence of C. burnetii in 8% of new army recruits, and TAP-8 identified C. burnetii in Dermacentor marginatus ticks. To accurately determine rickettsial disease burdens, we propose a One Health regional approach to study rickettsial infections among humans, animals, and arthropod vectors in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Our specific objectives are: (1) to determine the identity, distribution, and prevalence of rickettsial infections among AUF cases, domestic/peri-domestic animals, and arthropods; (2) to determine risk factors associated with rickettsial infections, such as exposure to particular vertebrate or invertebrate hosts; (3) to define vectors and reservoirs of rickettsioses; and (4) to develop ecological niche models and risk maps. This study would greatly strengthen our knowledge of Rickettsia and Coxiella infections, promote scientific collaborations, and help develop prevention and control strategies for rickettsioses in south Caucasus.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 22, 2020
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910043
Entities
People
- Lynn Soong
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Texas Medical Branch