Sero-epidemiological Investigation of the Major Abortive Bacterial Agents in Ewes of M’Sila Governorate, Algeria

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence, risk factors and zoonotic threats of the major abortive bacterial agents in sheep of M’Sila Governorate. A total of 184 serum samples were collected from ewes among 16 sheep flocks and tested for Coxiella burnetti, Chlamydia abortus, Brucella spp. and Salmonella abortusovis via ELISA. Simultaneously, a questionnaire was used to collect breeding management data. Seropositive results were as follows : Coxiella burnetti (27.9%), Salmonella abortusovis (15.9%), Chlamydia abortus (10.9%) and Brucella spp. (3.8%).The use of univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression showed a highly significant correlation between Coxiella burnetti seropositivity and presence of cats in farms (OR = 5.75; 95% CI = 1.86-19.9; p= 0.001), while promiscuity with newly introduced animals was associated to Chlamydia abortus seropositivity (OR=3.37; 95%CI=1.01-14.9; p= 0.04). Additionally to the economic losses, the dissemination of Coxiella burnetti and Brucella spp. presents uncontrollable zoonotic hazards.