Dutch Q fever epidemic in a ‘One Health’ context: outbreaks, seroprevalence and occupational risks

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii). Small ruminants, in particular sheep and goats, have been associated with community Q fever outbreaks in other countries. Just prior to the Dutch Q fever epidemic, a nationwide survey indicated that only 2.4% of the Dutch population had been ever infected with C. burnetii, and this low prevalence may have contributed to the magnitude of this epidemic. In May 2007, inhabitants from a village in Noord-Brabant, were diagnosed with pneumonia, and C. burnetii was found to be the causal agent. In the following 3... Mehr ...