Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Comment: detecting the CB-bacteria is one thing, human infection is another.
I did see quite some research relating goats and sheep to human infections: most Q-fever infections seem to be airborne, via inhaled dust, dust coming from manure from infected goats or sheep, spread and dried on the fields and blowing with the wind.
There are some studies confirming occupational risks for infections from cows, through direct contact: farmers, vets, butchers.
Also raw milk, or cheese made from raw milk, could be a source of infection.
I did not see any research relating cows or cowmanure to human infections through dust.
Aust Vet J. 2011 Jul;89(7):260-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00794.x.
Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in Queensland.
Cooper A, Hedlefs R, McGowan M, Ketheesan N, Govan B.
School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Alanna.Cooper@jcu.edu.au Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation, Townsville, QLD, Australia School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, QLD, Australia.
Abstract
Background
Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in beef cattle in Queensland.
Methods
Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. Blood samples were collected at an abattoir that processes beef cattle originating from northern and north-western Queensland, in addition to blood samples taken from beef cattle across Queensland as part of a second survey.
Results
Seropositivity was 16.8% (95% confidence interval 16.7-16.8%). Conclusion Evidence of C. burnetii infection in beef cattle has public health implications for occupational exposure of primary producers and veterinarians and for the proximity of beef cattle properties to residential areas in regional Queensland.
This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in beef cattle in Queensland and the first known use of an Australian C. burnetii isolate for screening using both phase II and phase I antigens.
PubMed
See also : Seroprevalence of Q fever in naturally infected dairy cattle herds.
.
I did see quite some research relating goats and sheep to human infections: most Q-fever infections seem to be airborne, via inhaled dust, dust coming from manure from infected goats or sheep, spread and dried on the fields and blowing with the wind.
There are some studies confirming occupational risks for infections from cows, through direct contact: farmers, vets, butchers.
Also raw milk, or cheese made from raw milk, could be a source of infection.
I did not see any research relating cows or cowmanure to human infections through dust.
Aust Vet J. 2011 Jul;89(7):260-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00794.x.
Serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in Queensland.
Cooper A, Hedlefs R, McGowan M, Ketheesan N, Govan B.
School of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia; Alanna.Cooper@jcu.edu.au Department of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation, Townsville, QLD, Australia School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, QLD, Australia.
Abstract
Background
Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in beef cattle in Queensland.
Methods
Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. Blood samples were collected at an abattoir that processes beef cattle originating from northern and north-western Queensland, in addition to blood samples taken from beef cattle across Queensland as part of a second survey.
Results
Seropositivity was 16.8% (95% confidence interval 16.7-16.8%). Conclusion Evidence of C. burnetii infection in beef cattle has public health implications for occupational exposure of primary producers and veterinarians and for the proximity of beef cattle properties to residential areas in regional Queensland.
This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in beef cattle in Queensland and the first known use of an Australian C. burnetii isolate for screening using both phase II and phase I antigens.
PubMed
See also : Seroprevalence of Q fever in naturally infected dairy cattle herds.
.