The first molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in blood samples of turtles (T. graeca) and their associated ticks Running Title: Coxiella burnetii in turtle and ticks

Coxiella burnetii can cause the zoonotic disease of Q fever, which has been recorded in numerous distinctive species. Hyalomma aegyptium can be classified as a hard-tick completing its life cycle through three hosts. Epidemiologically, the spread of pathogens by H. aegyptium between different hosts can be critical. The objective of the present investigation was to detect C. burnetii in blood samples of turtles and H. aegyptium ticks attached to them in northwest of Iran (Oshnavieh). A total of 500 engorged mature ticks and 100 blood samples were obtained from 100 tortoises. A nested-PCR targeting IS1111 and icd genes with specific primers were used to diagnose C. burnetii . From 100 tick pool samples based on IS1111 gene, 10 were infected with C. burnetii (10%; 95% CI: 5.5–17.4). The rate of infection with C. burnetii based on the icd gene in tick samples was 6%; 95% CI: 2.8%-12.5%. In addition, the level of contamination of turtle blood with C. burnetii based on the IS1111 gene was 5%; 95% CI: 2.2%-11.2%. The contamination rate of the blood based on icd gene was 3%; 95% CI: 1%-8.5%. In conclusion, infected tortoises and H. aegyptium ticks with C. burnetii may play a vital part in the transmission of this pathogenic agent to both human and other animals. Additionally, appropriate public health measures should be implemented to decrease the circulation of the pathogen between various hosts.