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Mathews KO, Norris JM, Phalen D, Malikides N, Savage C, Sheehy PA, Bosward KL. Factors associated with Q fever vaccination in Australian wildlife rehabilitators. Vaccine 2023; 41:201-210. [PMID: 36424259 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Australian wildlife rehabilitators (AWR) are at risk of contracting Q fever, a serious zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Despite Australian government recommendations for AWR to receive Q fever vaccination (QFV), and the availability of a safe and effective vaccine in Australia, shortfalls in vaccine uptake have been observed in AWR. This study aimed to determine factors associated with QFV status and describe AWR attitudes and potential barriers towards QFV. Data were obtained from a nationwide, online, cross-sectional survey of AWR undertaken in 2018. Approximately-three quarters (200/265; 75.5 %) of those that had heard of Q fever were also aware of the Q fever vaccine, and of those, 25.5 % (51/200) were vaccinated. Barriers to QFV, among unvaccinated respondents who had also heard of Q fever and the vaccine (149/200; 74.5 %), included concerns regarding the safety, efficacy, and importance of the Q fever vaccine. Complacency toward vaccination, convenience of vaccination, and a lack of Q fever knowledge were also notable barriers. Only 27.7 % (41/148) of respondents reported having had vaccination recommended to them. Multivariable logistic regression identified that vaccinated AWR were more likely to be aged ≤ 50 years (OR 4.51, 95 % CI: 2.14-10.11), have had a university level education (OR 2.78, 95 % CI: 1.39-5.73), have resided in New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory and Queensland than in other Australian jurisdictions (OR 2.9, 95 % CI: 1.10-8.83 and OR 4.82, 95 % CI: 1.64-16.00 respectively) and have attended an animal birth (OR 2.14, 95 % CI: 1.02-4.73). Knowledge gaps regarding Q fever and QFV in AWR demonstrated the need for interventions to raise the awareness of the potential health consequences of C. burnetii exposure and Q fever prevention. Education programs to allow AWR to develop an informed perspective of Q fever and QFV, coupled with improvements in vaccine affordability and the implementation of programs to enhance accessibility, may also increase vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen O Mathews
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M Norris
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Camden, NSW, Australia; Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Phalen
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Paul A Sheehy
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina L Bosward
- The University of Sydney, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, Camden, NSW, Australia; Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia.
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Rahaman MR, Hodgetts K, Milazzo A, Marshall H, Chaber AL, Crabb D, Bi P. Q fever prevention in Australia: general practitioner and stakeholder perspectives on preparedness and the potential of a One Health approach. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 46:196-202. [PMID: 34941007 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine stakeholder perspectives on the factors of an effective approach to reduce Q fever risk including disease prevention, and the perceived potential benefits of a One Health framework. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners (GPs), veterinarians, government authorities, researchers, and representatives from the farming industry. Transcripts were thematically analysed. RESULTS Six major themes were identified as key factors underpinning an effective approach to Q fever: understanding Q fever burden; effective surveillance; the role of general practitioners and other stakeholders; barriers and enablers of vaccination; an integrated approach; and increased Q fever awareness. Most participants perceived GPs to play a central role in disease detection, notification, treatment and prevention through health promotion and vaccination, despite GPs acknowledging limited awareness of Q fever. Participants suggested leadership is required from the Department of Health (DoH) to foster inter-sectoral communication and collaboration. CONCLUSIONS A One Health approach holds opportunities for zoonosis prevention. We recommend that medical curricula and professional development be enhanced, zoonosis working group networks strengthened, government-industry partnerships established, and relevant stakeholders included within an integrated program. Implications for public health: Updating medical curricula, GP professional development programs and inter-sectoral collaboration led by health departments may reduce Q fever burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md R Rahaman
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.,School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Helen Marshall
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.,Women's and Children's Health Network, South Australia
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
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National Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Chile, 2016-2017. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050531. [PMID: 33924790 PMCID: PMC8145303 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium and the cause of the zoonotic infection, Q fever. National surveillance data on C. burnetii seroprevalence is currently not available for any South American country, making efforts of public health to implement strategies to mitigate infections in different at-risk groups within the population extremely challenging. In the current study, we used two commercial anti-C. burnetii immunoassays to screen sera collected from a sample of the Chilean population as part of a 2016–2017 national health survey (n = 5166), nationwide and age-standardized. The seroprevalence for C. burnetii for persons ≥ 15 years was estimated to be 3.0% (95% CI 2.2–4.0), a level similar to national surveys from The Netherlands (2.4%) and USA (3.1%), but lower than Australia (5.6%). A linear increase of C. burnetii seropositivity was associated with an individual’s age, with the peak seroprevalence 5.6% (95% CI 3.6–8.6) observed in the ≥65 years’ group. C. burnetii seropositivity was significantly higher in the southern macro-zone 6.0% (95% CI 3.3–10.6) compared to metropolitan region 1.8% (95% CI 0.9–3.3), the former region being home to significant livestock industries, particularly dairy farming. These data will be useful to inform targeted strategies for the prevention of Q fever in at-risk populations in Chile.
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Clark NJ, Tozer S, Wood C, Firestone SM, Stevenson M, Caraguel C, Chaber AL, Heller J, Soares Magalhães RJ. Unravelling animal exposure profiles of human Q fever cases in Queensland, Australia, using natural language processing. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2133-2145. [PMID: 32259390 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Q fever, caused by the zoonotic bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed emerging infectious disease. Livestock are the most important zoonotic transmission sources, yet infection in people without livestock exposure is common. Identifying potential exposure pathways is necessary to design effective interventions and aid outbreak prevention. We used natural language processing and graphical network methods to provide insights into how Q fever notifications are associated with variation in patient occupations or lifestyles. Using an 18-year time-series of Q fever notifications in Queensland, Australia, we used topic models to test whether compositions of patient answers to follow-up exposure questionnaires varied between demographic groups or across geographical areas. To determine heterogeneity in possible zoonotic exposures, we explored patterns of livestock and game animal co-exposures using Markov Random Fields models. Finally, to identify possible correlates of Q fever case severity, we modelled patient probabilities of being hospitalized as a function of particular exposures. Different demographic groups consistently reported distinct sets of exposure terms and were concentrated in different areas of the state, suggesting the presence of multiple transmission pathways. Macropod exposure was commonly reported among Q fever cases, even when exposure to cattle, sheep or goats was absent. Males, older patients and those that reported macropod exposure were more likely to be hospitalized due to Q fever infection. Our study indicates that follow-up surveillance combined with text modelling is useful for unravelling exposure pathways in the battle to reduce Q fever incidence and associated morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Clark
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
| | - Sarah Tozer
- Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, The University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
| | - Caitlin Wood
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
| | - Simon M Firestone
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Mark Stevenson
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Charles Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jane Heller
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhães
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Qld, Australia
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5
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Eisen DP, McBryde ES, Vasanthakumar L, Murray M, Harings M, Adegboye O. Linking administrative data sets of inpatient infectious diseases diagnoses in far North Queensland: a cohort profile. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034845. [PMID: 32193270 PMCID: PMC7202725 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To design a linked hospital database using administrative and clinical information to describe associations that predict infectious diseases outcomes, including long-term mortality. PARTICIPANTS A retrospective cohort of Townsville Hospital inpatients discharged with an International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision Australian Modification code for an infectious disease between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016 was assembled. This used linked anonymised data from: hospital administrative sources, diagnostic pathology, pharmacy dispensing, public health and the National Death Registry. A Created Study ID was used as the central identifier to provide associations between the cohort patients and the subsets of granular data which were processed into a relational database. A web-based interface was constructed to allow data extraction and evaluation to be performed using editable Structured Query Language. FINDINGS TO DATE The database has linked information on 41 367 patients with 378 487 admissions and 1 869 239 diagnostic/procedure codes. Scripts used to create the database contents generated over 24 000 000 database rows from the supplied data. Nearly 15% of the cohort was identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders. Invasive staphylococcal, pneumococcal and Group A streptococcal infections and influenza were common in this cohort. The most common comorbidities were smoking (43.95%), diabetes (24.73%), chronic renal disease (17.93%), cancer (16.45%) and chronic pulmonary disease (12.42%). Mortality over the 11-year period was 20%. FUTURE PLANS This complex relational database reutilising hospital information describes a cohort from a single tropical Australian hospital of inpatients with infectious diseases. In future analyses, we plan to explore analyses of risks, clinical outcomes, healthcare costs and antimicrobial side effects in site and organism specific infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon P Eisen
- Infectious Diseases, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma S McBryde
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luke Vasanthakumar
- Infectious Diseases, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Miriam Harings
- Infectious Diseases, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oyelola Adegboye
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Dey A, Wang H, Beard F, Macartney K, McIntyre P. Summary of national surveillance data on vaccine preventable diseases in Australia, 2012-2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 43. [PMID: 31738873 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2019.43.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Dey
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The University of Sydney and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Han Wang
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Beard
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The University of Sydney and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristine Macartney
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The University of Sydney and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter McIntyre
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The University of Sydney and The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
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Gidding HF, Faddy HM, Durrheim DN, Graves SR, Nguyen C, Hutchinson P, Massey P, Wood N. Seroprevalence of Q fever among metropolitan and non‐metropolitan blood donors in New South Wales and Queensland, 2014–2015. Med J Aust 2019; 210:309-315. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heather F Gidding
- Northern Clinical SchoolUniversity of Sydney Sydney NSW
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases Sydney NSW
| | | | | | - Stephen R Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference LaboratoryUniversity Hospital Geelong VIC
| | - Chelsea Nguyen
- Australian Rickettsial Reference LaboratoryUniversity Hospital Geelong VIC
| | | | - Peter Massey
- Hunter New England Local Health District Newcastle NSW
- University of New England Armidale NSW
| | - Nicholas Wood
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases Sydney NSW
- University of Sydney Sydney NSW
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Sellens E, Norris JM, Dhand NK, Heller J, Hayes L, Gidding HF, Willaby H, Wood N, Bosward KL. Willingness of veterinarians in Australia to recommend Q fever vaccination in veterinary personnel: Implications for workplace health and safety compliance. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198421. [PMID: 29856835 PMCID: PMC5983556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever vaccine uptake among veterinary nurses in Australia is low, suggesting veterinarians are not recommending the vaccination to veterinary personnel. This study aimed to determine the willingness of veterinarians to recommend Q fever vaccination to veterinary personnel and to identify factors influencing Q fever vaccine uptake by veterinary nurses in Australia. An online cross sectional survey targeted veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia in 2014. Responses were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Factors significantly (p<0.05) associated with a willingness to recommend the vaccination, expressed by 35% (95% CI 31-38%) of veterinarians (n = 828), were (1) being very concerned for colleagues regarding Coxiella burnetii (OR 4.73), (2) disagreeing the vaccine is harmful (OR 3.80), (3) high Q fever knowledge (OR 2.27), (4) working within small animal practice (OR 1.67), (5) disagreeing the vaccine is expensive (OR 1.55), and (6) age, with veterinarians under 39 years most likely to recommend vaccination. Of the veterinary nursing cohort who reported a known Q fever vaccination status (n = 688), 29% (95% CI 26-33%) had sought vaccination. This was significantly (p<0.05) associated with (1) agreeing the vaccine is important (OR 8.34), (2) moderate/high Q fever knowledge (OR 5.51), (3) working in Queensland (OR 4.00), (4) working within livestock/mixed animal practice (OR 3.24), (5) disagreeing the vaccine is expensive (OR 1.86), (6) strong reliance on work culture for biosecurity information (OR 2.5), (7) perceiving personal exposure to Coxiella burnetii to be at least low/moderate (OR 2.14), and (8) both agreeing the vaccine is safe and working within a corporate practice structure (OR 4.28). The study identified the need for veterinarians to take greater responsibility for workplace health and safety promotion, and calls for better education of veterinary personnel to raise awareness of the potential for occupational exposure to C. burnetii and improve the perception of the Q fever vaccine as being important, safe and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sellens
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Navneet K. Dhand
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Heller
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynne Hayes
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather F. Gidding
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Harold Willaby
- Sydney School of Public Health, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Wood
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina L. Bosward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, the University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Armstrong MR, McCarthy KL, Horvath RL. A contemporary 16-year review of Coxiella burnetii infective endocarditis in a tertiary cardiac center in Queensland, Australia. Infect Dis (Lond) 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2018.1445279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate L. McCarthy
- The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
- Health Support Queensland Pathology Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Robert L. Horvath
- Health Support Queensland Pathology Queensland, Herston, Australia
- The Prince Charles Hospital, The University of Queensland, Chermside, Australia
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10
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Lower T, Corben P, Massey P, Depczynski J, Brown T, Stanley P, Osbourn M, Durrheim D. Farmers' knowledge of Q fever and prevention approaches in New South Wales. Aust J Rural Health 2017; 25:306-310. [PMID: 28618042 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify what New South Wales (NSW) farmers know about Q fever to inform preventive approaches. DESIGN Thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered through semi-structured individual interviews, focus groups and a community meeting. SETTING Rural communities in NSW, Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of 25 farmers participated in individual interviews (n = 4) or three focus groups, each with seven participants (n = 21). A further 27 persons, were involved in a community meeting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Themes derived from the interviews, focus groups and community meeting. RESULTS Knowledge variations regarding Q fever risk and transmission highlight a need for improved risk communication. Vaccination was viewed as the preferred prevention approach; barriers were raised including time, costs, access to screening/vaccination and General Practitioner (GP) knowledge about Q fever. Local vaccination initiatives were supported. CONCLUSIONS Strengthening existing GP knowledge and services leading to expanded provision of screening/vaccination could improve the coverage of Q fever vaccine in endemic NSW farming and rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Lower
- Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety, University of Sydney, Moree, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Corben
- North Coast Public Health, NSW Health, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Massey
- Hunter New England Population Health, NSW Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Julie Depczynski
- Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety, University of Sydney, Moree, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tony Brown
- School of Rural Health Dubbo, University of Sydney, Dubbo, Australia
| | | | - Margaret Osbourn
- Hunter New England Population Health, NSW Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - David Durrheim
- Hunter New England Population Health, NSW Health, Newcastle, Australia
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Esmaeili S, Golzar F, Ayubi E, Naghili B, Mostafavi E. Acute Q fever in febrile patients in northwestern of Iran. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005535. [PMID: 28394892 PMCID: PMC5398717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Q fever is an endemic disease in different parts of Iran. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of acute Q fever disease among at-risk individuals in northwestern Iran. METHODOLOGY An etiological study was carried out in 2013 in Tabriz County. A total of 116 individuals who were in contact with livestock and had a nonspecific febrile illness were enrolled in the study. IgG phase II antibodies against Coxiella burnetii were detected using ELISA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The prevalence of acute Q fever was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.0, 21.0%). Headache (87.5%) and fatigue and weakness (81.3%) were the dominant clinical characteristics among patients whit acute Q fever. Acute lower respiratory tract infection and chills were poorly associated with acute Q fever. Furthermore, 32% (95% CI: 24, 41%) of participants had a history of previous exposure to Q fever agent (past infection). Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products was a weak risk factor for previous exposure to C. burnetii. CONCLUSION This study identified patients with acute Q fever in northwestern of Iran. The evidence from this study and previous studies conducted in different regions of Iran support this fact that Q fever is one of the important endemic zoonotic diseases in Iran and needs due attention by clinical physicians and health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Golzar
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Science, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Erfan Ayubi
- Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Naghili
- Research Center of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz university of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar-Ahang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Graves SR, Islam A. Endemic Q Fever in New South Wales, Australia: A Case Series (2005-2013). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:55-9. [PMID: 27139451 PMCID: PMC4944709 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is endemic in Australia, and during the period 2005-2013 our laboratory diagnosed 379 cases in New South Wales. To evaluate clinical symptoms, epidemiology, mode of diagnosis, antibody profiles, and treatment, a subset of 160 (42%) Q fever cases were analyzed in detail following the return of a questionnaire by the patient's doctor and from their laboratory reports. Overall, 82% patients were male and predominantly middle aged. The majority of patients (89%) had animal contact among which 63% were with cattle, 11% with sheep, and 7% with kangaroos. Clinical symptoms were nonspecific: myalgia (94%), fever (91%), headache (80%), acute fatigue (64%), and arthralgia (55%). Most cases (93%) were acute, and serology (immunofluorescence) was the main diagnostic modality. Positive real-time polymerase chain reaction results were useful in the diagnosis of both acute and chronic Q fever, as was the isolation of Coxiella burnetii in cell culture. Doxycycline was the antibiotic most commonly used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Newcastle Branch, New South Wales, Australia. Department of Microbiology, Pathology North-John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Aminul Islam
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Newcastle Branch, New South Wales, Australia. Department of Microbiology, Pathology North-John Hunter Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
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