Q fever in the Netherlands: a sero-epidemiological survey among human population groups from 1968 to 1983

Abstract

SUMMARYA sero-epidemiological survey, using an indirect immunofluorescence test for IgG against Coxiella burnetii (phase II), was carried out in the Netherlands. Serum samples taken in 1968, 1975,1979 and 1983 were tested. Occupational groups with a supposedly high risk of infection (veterinarians, residents of dairy farms and taxidermists) showed a significantly higher percentage of seropositives than defined controls. The percentage of seropositive amateur wool spinners was significantly higher than that ofthe controls from the same region. Since 1968 there has been no increase in the percentage ofinfected persons, indicating that, contrary to earlier assumptions, Q fever has been endemic in The Netherlands for a long time already. The increase in numbers ofnotified cases ofovert Q fever is considered to be the result of the recent introduction of a sensitive indirect immunofluorescence test for IgM antibodies against C. burnetii. Antibody percentages in all age classes between 1 and 64 years were much alike, suggesting that most infections occur in early childhood. This is in accordance with the finding that 35 % of our patients are younger than 3 years. The possibility of infection related to childbirth and lactation is discussed.

Seroepidemiological survey of Q fever in Le�n Province, Spain

“…In the same way, in other serological surveys in Europe, lower rates of seropositivity were observed, as it is illustrated by the following examples: in Switzerland, prevalences ranged from 27% [25] or 17% [26] reported for different rural areas to 10.9% recorded for urban areas [26]; in big cities of Germany and The Netherlands, the values were from 22% in 1968 to 31.3% in 1983 [27], and finally, readings as low as 5% and 6% were observed among blood donors coming from an endemic zone in southern France [28] and Portugal [29], respectively.…”

Role of CD4+and CD8+T Cells in Clearance of Primary Pulmonary Infection withCoxiella burnetii

“…Frequently exposed individuals may even remain asymptomatic. Thus, serological surveys of blood donors in Netherlands suggested that up to 73% of male donors were seropositive (19), suggesting that exposure to Q fever is widespread. However, in general, there are few reports of the disease and few patients are admitted to hospitals with acute Q fever, with the exception of some outbreaks.…”

The Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands: history, onset, response and reflection

“…Twenty-two (67 %) of these patients were probably infected in The Netherlands through contact with animals or animal products [17]. A survey in 1982/1983 among 432 persons, considered to be at high risk because of close contact with animals and animal products, showed high percentages (58 % in taxidermists to 84% in veterinarians) of seropositive responders with mainly IgG antibodies against C. burnetii phase-II antigen, indicating that Q fever had become endemic in The Netherlands [18].…”