Cardiac pathology and lipid metabolism alterations in goats infected with coxiella burnetii: Insights into bacterial pathogenesis

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of Q fever, is globally distributed and is known for causing abortion and stillbirth in small ruminants. In humans, chronic infection is associated with severe cardiovascular lesions, including endocarditis. This study presents the first evidence of similar cardiac involvement in goats naturally infected with C. burnetii. The aim was to investigate histopath ological lesions in cardiac tissues along with alterations in lipid profiles and cardiac biomarkers. Twenty Honamli goats were studied and divided into two groups: Coxiella-infected goats (Cox-G, n = 10), which had recently aborted, and healthy controls (CG, n = 10), all PCR- and ELISA-negative. Infection diagnosis was confirmed by PCR and ELISA. Hematological analysis revealed a significantly elevated lymphocyte count in Cox-G (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis showed higher serum levels of CK (p < 0.01), CK-MB (p < 0.01), LDH (p < 0.001), and albumin (p < 0.01), while triglycerides were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Cardiac histopathology in Cox-G revealed inflammatory cell infiltrates and lesions in the myocardium and endocardium. Uterine and other or gans showed findings consistent with normal post-abortion involution. The combination of decreased triglyceride levels, elevated cardiac damage related biochemical parameters, and cardiac lesions may serve as valuable pathological indicators in chronic Coxiellosis. These findings suggest a potential diagnostic role for cardiovas cular assessment in caprine Q fever and support the use of goats as a zoonotic model reflecting cardiac pathology observed in humans. In conclusion, evaluating these parameters may enhance understanding of disease patho genesis and aid in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.