Serological Detection and Risk Analysis of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> in Rodents of Punjab, Pakistan

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> <i>Coxiella burnetii</i>, the causative agent of Q fever, remains poorly understood in Pakistan, despite its clinical relevance in both humans and ruminants. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of <i>C. burnetii</i> in rodents. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Rodents were captured in urban settings across three districts of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 300 serum samples were collected from rodents belonging to the Muridae family (<i>n</i> = 268) and the Sciuridae family (<i>n</i> = 32). Samples were screened for <i>C. burnetii</i> antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. <b><i>Results:</i></b> An overall seroprevalence of 12.7% (38/300) was observed, with a higher prevalence in males compared with females (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Using multiple logistic regression, age was identified as a potential risk factor for <i>C. burnetii</i> in rodents, with 14.1% (37/262) of adult rodents testing positive for <i>C. burnetii</i> antibodies, compared with a 2.6% (1/38) detection rate in juvenile rodents. <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> antibodies were detected in five rodent species, <i>Tatera indica</i>, <i>Mus musculus</i>, <i>Millaria meltada</i>, <i>Rattus rattus,</i> and <i>Rattus norvegicus</i> with seroprevalence ranging from 7.8% to 23.3%, depending on the species. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This detection of <i>C. burnetii</i> in rodents residing in populated regions of Punjab, Pakistan indicates pathogen exposure. Additional studies, including molecular testing are needed to confirm their role as pathogen reservoirs.