Serological Evidence of Human Infection with Coxiella burnetii after Occupational Exposure to Aborting Cattle

Summary

This cross-sectional serological study of 27 farm and veterinary workers formally established cattle as a source of occupational Q fever infection, complementing the predominant literature linking human Q fever to small ruminants. By analysing antibody profiles, the authors determined that approximately 37% of workers showed evidence of C. burnetii exposure, with 18.5% showing past infection and 18.5% showing recent infection temporally linked to exposure to bovine abortions. The findings underscore the occupational health hazard posed by handling aborted material from infected cattle, particularly for laboratory and farm personnel.

UK applicability

These findings are directly applicable to UK cattle farming and veterinary diagnostic practice, where occupational exposure to bovine abortion material represents a documented zoonotic risk. The study's identification of cattle as a significant source of Q fever exposure may inform occupational health guidance and laboratory biosafety protocols in UK veterinary services.

Key measures

Anti-phase II C. burnetii IgG and IgM titres measured by indirect fluorescent antibody tests; serological profiles classified by isotype titres and relative proportions

Outcomes reported

The study identified serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii infection in 27 farm and veterinary diagnostic laboratory workers using indirect fluorescent antibody tests to detect anti-phase II IgG and IgM. Four distinct serological profiles were characterised, with 37% of workers showing evidence of recent or past infection linked to occupational exposure to aborting cattle.

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