Epidemiology of Q fever in Sweden.

Q fever is known to be a worldwide disease, with Sweden supposed to be one of a few exceptions. The purpose of this pilot study was to elucidate whether or not a potential risk group for obtaining Q fever in Sweden was seropositive to the causative agent Coxiella burnetii. Blood samples were collected from sheep farmers on the island of Gotland, and from members of their families. Serum samples were examined by ELISA for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii, phases I and II. Positive reactions were confirmed with Western blot analysis. It was found that 30% of the study group were seropositive to C. burnetii, thus indicating that Q fever is endemic in this area of Sweden.