Seroepidemiology of Q fever in New Brunswick and Manitoba

Can J Microbiol. 1988 Sep;34(9):1043-5. doi: 10.1139/m88-183.

Abstract

A seroepidemiological survey, using an indirect immunofluorescence test, was carried out on serum samples obtained from New Brunswick and Manitoba blood donors during 1986. The antigens were Coxiella burnetii phase I and phase II from strain Nine Mile. Eighty of the 503 (15.9%) Manitoba blood donors had a phase II antibody titer of greater than or equal to 1:8, while 41 (4.2%) of the 966 New Brunswick blood donors had such antibodies. We have recently diagnosed three cases of Q fever in New Brunswick but none have been diagnosed in Manitoba. Our data suggest that Q fever may be increasing in New Brunswick and repeated seroepidemiological studies are indicated. It is likely that undetected cases of Q fever are occurring in Manitoba.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology
  • Blood Donors*
  • Coxiella / immunology*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Q Fever / epidemiology*
  • Q Fever / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Bacterial