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

Summary

This serological study provides formal evidence linking occupational exposure to Coxiella burnetii-infected aborted cattle to human Q fever infection in farm and laboratory workers. Four distinct antibody profiles were identified, with 10.1% of workers showing serological markers consistent with recent infection during the period of exposure to bovine abortions. The findings establish cattle as a documented zoonotic source of human Q fever, contrasting with previous literature that emphasised small ruminants.

UK applicability

The findings are directly applicable to UK occupational health practice, as cattle farming and veterinary diagnostic work are widespread. UK farm and veterinary workers handling bovine abortion material should be aware of Q fever as an occupational hazard, although further epidemiological work would help establish incidence in UK populations.

Key measures

Anti-phase II C. burnetii IgG and IgM titres measured by indirect fluorescent antibody test; serological profiles classified by isotype and titre levels; temporal inference of infection timing relative to exposure window

Outcomes reported

The study measured anti-phase II C. burnetii IgG and IgM antibodies in 27 farm and veterinary diagnostic laboratory workers using indirect fluorescent antibody tests to determine serological evidence of infection following occupational exposure to aborting cattle. Four serological profiles were identified, with 10.1% showing evidence of recent infection during the exposure window and 63.0% remaining seronegative.

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