Infections with Coxiella burnetii in man and animals in The Netherlands.

A serological survey using an indirect micro-immunofluorescence test among people considered to be at risk of contracting an infection with C. burnetii yielded 75.9% seropositives, whereas controls from three geographical regions in the Netherlands showed a mean of 45.5% with considerable differences per region and sex. A comparable retrospective sample from 1968 showed 46% seropositives. Sera from people aged 0 to 19 years yielded 38.3% positives (8). The preliminary data of a survey among cattle using an indirect ELISA showed antibodies against C. burnetii in 21.4% of 1160 animals in 234 dairy herds and lower percentages in other types of herds. Among 3603 sheep from 191 flocks, 3.5% appeared to be seropositive and a limited survey among goats demonstrated specific antibodies in less than 1%. A total of 219 dogs and 26 cats was examined with negative results. The results of a clinical and epidemiological study of 51 cases of human Q fever are summarized. Of these patients, 13 were female and 18 were younger than 3 years of age. In 29 cases the infection could be associated with direct or indirect contact with animals or animal products of different species. Family and other contacts of 29 patients were serologically examined and 61% were positive for specific IgG and 10% also for IgM. In addition, 22 babies from seropositive mothers were serologically examined and none was found positive for specific IgM. The epidemiological implications of these observations are discussed.