Q fever outbreak in Botevgrad, Bulgaria: May-June 2004

Kamenov, G; Tiholova, M.

doi:10.2807/esw.08.35.02535-en

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Two diagnostic methods (serology and/or molecular detection) were used. The human serum samples were tested for IgM phase II antibodies against C. burnetii with a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (SERION ELISA classic, Coxiella burnetii Phase II IgG/IgM, Virion/Serion, Würzburg, Germany), known to have high sensitivity (85%) and specificity (> 99%) [20]. The assay was performed and interpreted as recommended by the manufacturer and the results were qualitatively categorised as positive, negative or equivocal.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Q fever in Bulgaria: Laboratory and epidemiological findings on human cases and outbreaks, 2011 to 2017

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundQ fever is a zoonosis, included in category B of particularly dangerous infectious agents and as such merits careful surveillance and regular updating of the information about its distribution.AimThis observational retrospective study aimed to provide an overview of Q fever incidence in Bulgaria in the period 2011 to 2017.MethodsAggregated surveillance data from Bulgaria’s mandatory surveillance system, laboratory data on individual samples received at the National Reference Laboratory Rickettsiae and Cell Cultures and outbreak reports sent by the regional health authorities to the National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, were used in this analysis. Cases were described by year, region, age group and most commonly identified risk behaviours.ResultsA total of 139 confirmed cases were reported in the study period (average annual incidence: 0.27 cases/100,000 inhabitants). No seasonality or trend in reported cases was observed. Cases were mostly sporadic, with two small outbreaks in 2017. Identified risk behaviours among cases were occupational exposure and consumption of milk and dairy products, although exposure data were incomplete. The male/female ratio was 1.4. The identification and resolution of the two rural outbreaks in 2017 with a total of 18 cases involved good practices: active case finding and collaboration between public health and veterinary authorities.ConclusionBetween 2011 and 2017, Bulgaria retained low Q fever incidence, mostly sporadic cases and two small outbreaks. Occupational exposure and consumption of milk and dairy products were the most often reported likely exposures among cases. The outbreak investigations demonstrate the application of good control practices.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For more than 60 years, numerous sporadic cases and small and large epidemics, involving tens to hundreds of persons, occurred in different regions [18,19]. The last two major outbreaks in the country were registered in Etropole (2002) and in Botevgrad (2003–04) [20,21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Q fever in Bulgaria: Laboratory and epidemiological findings on human cases and outbreaks, 2011 to 2017

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The primary mode of transmission is through inhaling infected aerosols. In Bulgaria, there has been a rise in both sporadic cases and outbreaks of Q fever over the past decade [ 77 ].…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Narrative Review of Q Fever in Europe

Christodoulou¹,

Malli²,

Tsaras³

et al. 2023

Cureus

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, causes abortions in animals. Its effects on humans and the management of Q fever in certain conditions like pregnancy are undetermined. The World Health Organization has estimated that zoonotic diseases cause around one billion cases of infections and millions of deaths globally each year. It is worth noting that many emerging infectious diseases currently being reported worldwide are zoonoses. We reviewed studies reporting on Q fever prevalence and incidence in Europe. Articles from 1937 to 2023 with the following terms "Coxiella burnetii and Europe and Q fever, and seroprevalence studies" were identified in the PubMed database and reports by organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). We included randomized and observational studies, seroprevalence studies, case series, and case reports. According to the ECDC in 2019, 23 countries reported 1069 cases, the majority of which were classified as confirmed cases. The number of reports per 100,000 inhabitants in the EU/EEA was 0.2 for 2019, the same as the previous four years. The highest report rate (0.7 cases per 100,000 population) was observed in Spain, followed by Romania (0.6), Bulgaria (0.5), and Hungary. Considering the typically asymptomatic nature of Q fever infection, it is imperative to strengthen the existing systems to promote the rapid identification and reporting of Q fever outbreaks in animals, particularly in cases of abortion. It is also essential to consider the facilitation of early information exchange between veterinarians and public health counterparts to ensure the timely detection and prevention of potential zoonotic events, including Q fever.

show abstract

“…An overview of human outbreaks of Q fever in EU MS and neighbouring counties, based on literature published since 1999, is presented in Table 10. Another outbreak in Bulgaria (2004) resulted in 220 hospitalisations alone (Kamenov and Tiholova, 2004). Another outbreak in Bulgaria (2004) resulted in 220 hospitalisations alone (Kamenov and Tiholova, 2004).…”

Section: Indirect Contactmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the largest outbreaks, in Bulgaria (in Panagyurische 1993) and the Netherlands (2008), at least 1,000 human cases were recorded. Another outbreak in Bulgaria (2004) resulted in 220 hospitalisations alone (Kamenov and Tiholova, 2004). Although no information is published on the level of Q fever associated symptoms in the general population, one can quickly extrapolate for the hospitalisation data that several hundreds of people are likely to have suffered some immediate public health impact due to acute infection.…”

Section: Indirect Contactmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scientific Opinion on Q fever

More¹,

Stegeman²,

Rodolakis³

et al. 2010

EFSA Journal

127

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Following a request from the European Commission, a scientific opinion was prepared by EFSA's Animal Health and Welfare Panel to determine the magnitude, distribution, impact and significance of infection and disease in domestic ruminants and humans, risk factors for the maintenance (in domestic ruminant populations) and spillover (from these populations to humans) of Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent of Q fever), and control options in domestic ruminant populations. A range of approaches were used, including an assessment of monitoring/surveillance data, the development of a simple conceptual model, a critical review of available literature, and several country case studies. Control options for C. burnetii infection in small ruminants were qualitatively assessed. Infection is endemic in domestic ruminants in most, if not all, EU member states, however, disease is rare and impact is limited. In the EU, Q fever is a zoonotic disease with limited public health impact, except under certain epidemiological circumstances and for particular risk groups. Human cases are often associated with proximity to small ruminants (particularly at parturition or during abortions) and dry, windy weather. Currently, there is no clear evidence of an association between bacterial genotypes/isolates and virulence. A number of longer-term options to control C. burnetii infection in domestic ruminants were identified; these should be considered in those situations where the public health risk is considered unacceptable. Some additional options were not considered sustainable for long-term control, but may have a role in the face of an outbreak. Persistent environmental contamination may confound animal-based control efforts. Vaccination should be considered a longterm control option, noting that effectiveness may not be observed in the short-term. Antibiotic treatment of animals is not recommended. There is no conclusive evidence that the consumption of milk and milk products containing C. burnetii has resulted in clinical Q fever in humans. (ECDC) and the EFSA staff members Ana Afonso, Milen Georgiev and Jane Richardson for the support provided to this EFSA scientific output. Thank you also for the valuable information made available by the Zoonoses task force, the EFSA Animal Health and Welfare network, Prof. S. Martinov and I. Yordanov.This opinion was the result of a fruitful collaboration with ECDC in relation to public health aspects. The BIOHAZ Panel wishes to thank the EFSA staff member Bart Goossens for the support provided to Chapter 4 of this EFSA scientific output. Q fever 2 EFSA Journal 2010; 8 (5):1595 SUMMARYThe recent developments in the EU, especially the increase in confirmed human cases of Q fever in the Netherlands, call for special consideration as regards the risks posed by Q fever for humans and animals. The European Commission requested further scientific advice and risk assessment, as regards Q fever in animals. The mandate posed three questions:to assess the significance of the occurrence of Q fever in the ...

show abstract

Q fever outbreak in Botevgrad, Bulgaria: May-June 2004

Abstract: Q fever is a widespread zoonosis in Bulgaria, caused by Coxiella burnetii. The major route of transmission from animals to humans is by infected aerosols. Over the past decade, the number of both sporadic cases and outbreaks in Bulgaria has increased

Cited by 5 publications

References 0 publications

Q fever in Bulgaria: Laboratory and epidemiological findings on human cases and outbreaks, 2011 to 2017

Q fever in Bulgaria: Laboratory and epidemiological findings on human cases and outbreaks, 2011 to 2017

A Narrative Review of Q Fever in Europe

Scientific Opinion on Q fever

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About