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Improved molecular surveillance and assessment of host adaptation and virulence of Coxiella burnetii in Europe (Q-Net-Assess)
Project
Project code: 2823ERA30D
Contract period: 01.04.2023
- 31.03.2026
Budget: 233,282 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: animal health, zoonosis
The Q-Net-Assess project will take a functional genomics approach to understand Coxiella burnetii host adaptation and virulence. Combined analysis of whole genome sequence (WGS) data from C. burnetii strains from different hosts, of in vitro phenotypes and of georeferenced meta-data will reveal molecular determinants that control C. burnetii host adaptation and link genetic traits to differences in zoonotic potential and clinical relevance. This information can be used to determine upcoming zoonotic threats posed by C. burnetii and provide a framework for assessing the risk and severity of future Q fever outbreaks. The assembled consortium unifies a unique expertise in C. burnetii surveillance and genomics and is linked to national Q fever Reference Laboratories from six European countries which will benefit the new requirements for national Q fever monitoring as a consequence of recent changes to EU Animal Health Law and aligned Great Britain regulations. Throughout the project a comprehensive isolate collection and sample biobank (WP1) will be established. Additionally, the project aims to optimize C. burnetii isolation methodologies (WP2) from field samples, and will apply long-read sequencing (MinIon) and short-read sequencing (Illumina) to assemble fully annotated genomes (WP3). Genome association studies (WP4) will be supported by surveillance data and the use of in vitro assays for phenotypic characterization (WP4.1). Novel bioinformatic approaches will be used to identify molecular determinants of C. burnetii host range and virulence (WP4.2), which may be used to rapidly determine host/virulence potential of circulating isolates. Project outcomes will facilitate a framework for molecular surveillance (WP5) of C. burnetii, which will be evaluated by project partners within each of the six European countries.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute - Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI)
