Detection of Coxiella burnetii in Complex Matrices by Using Multiplex Quantitative PCR during a Major Q Fever Outbreak in The Netherlands

ABSTRACT Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii , is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. A large rural area in the southeast of the Netherlands was heavily affected by Q fever between 2007 and 2009. This initiated the development of a robust and internally controlled multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of C. burnetii DNA in veterinary and environmental matrices on suspected Q fever-affected farms. The qPCR detects three C. burnetii targets ( icd , com1 , and IS 1111 ) and one Bacillus thuringiensis internal control target ( cry1b ). Bacillus thuringiensis spores were... Mehr ...