What are the most important reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii?

What are the most important reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii?

• A. Birds
• B. Cattle, sheep, and goats
• C. Pigs, horses, and dogs
• D. Rodents

Answer: (B)

Coxiella burnetii is primarily maintained in domestic ruminants, especially cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals are the most important reservoirs because they shed large numbers of bacteria in birth products—placenta, amniotic fluids, and uterine discharges—as well as in milk, urine, and feces. When cleaning areas where birthing occurs or during disturbances, these contaminated materials become aerosolized and can be inhaled by people, making human infection a classic zoonotic exposure from livestock. While other animals such as birds, pigs, horses, dogs, and rodents can harbor the organism, they are not the principal sources driving transmission to humans. The strong association with cattle, sheep, and goats explains why these species are considered the main reservoirs for Coxiella burnetii.

Coxiella burnetii is primarily maintained in domestic ruminants, especially cattle, sheep, and goats. These animals are the most important reservoirs because they shed large numbers of bacteria in birth products—placenta, amniotic fluids, and uterine discharges—as well as in milk, urine, and feces. When cleaning areas where birthing occurs or during disturbances, these contaminated materials become aerosolized and can be inhaled by people, making human infection a classic zoonotic exposure from livestock. While other animals such as birds, pigs, horses, dogs, and rodents can harbor the organism, they are not the principal sources driving transmission to humans. The strong association with cattle, sheep, and goats explains why these species are considered the main reservoirs for Coxiella burnetii.