Q Fever Common Among Veterinarians in the U.S.

Twenty-two percent of veterinarians screened had antibodies against Coxiella burnetii.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the gram-negative coccobacillus Coxiella burnetii. To determine the prevalence of Q fever among veterinarians, researchers in Atlanta analyzed serum samples that were obtained during an annual convention in 2006 for use in another cross-sectional study. Participants also completed a standardized questionnaire to provide information on demographic characteristics, recent illness, and risk factors.

The serum samples were screened using a commercial ELISA kit that detects IgG antibody. All equivocal and positive samples were then retested using an immunofluorescence antibody assay directed against phase I and phase II C. burnetii antigens. Titers ≥1:16 were considered positive.

Among 508 veterinarians test…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)