[Three years of Q fever in the Netherlands: faster diagnosis]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2010:154:A1845.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Objective: To assess if more rapid diagnosis and treatment is possible and to assess if this could be improved, since the first outbreak of Q fever in 2007.

Design: Retrospective study of secondary data.

Methods: Analysis of surveillance data regarding Q fever over the period 2007 to 2009 and additional information on some patients from 2007 and 2008 obtained from general practitioners.

Results: Diagnostic delay fell sharply between 2007 and 2009 and to a lesser extent, so did therapeutic delay from 2007 to 2008. In high incidence areas, diagnosis and treatment was faster with a lower proportion of patients admitted to hospital than in low incidence areas.

Conclusion: It appears that familiarity with the condition leads to faster diagnosis coupled with a lower percentage of hospital admissions. In order to react quickly it is necessary that doctor and patient should be aware of Q fever, especially in areas of low incidence. Polymerase chain reaction diagnostic techniques should also be available.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Physician's Role*
  • Q Fever / diagnosis*
  • Q Fever / drug therapy
  • Q Fever / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents