PREVALENCE OF Q-FEVER IN A RURAL PRACTICE

Background Q fever is a world-wide condition caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii. It appears more prevalent in agrarian communities a nd may have serious sequelae. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study using a randomly selected group of the adult worki ng practice population in a rural practice in West Wales was devised. An immunofluorescence test, which identified past infection, was used to look for associations between C. burnetii seropositivity and farm-r elated or social activities, and to compare the findings with those of other studies. An attempt was made to establish a clinical profile fo r the illness Q fever. Results Twenty-one subjects were found to be se ropositive to C. burnetii. No definite consistent clinical features we re identified. Farming was undoubtedly a risk factor for the disease, maybe with other related factors also important. There was a possibili ty that alcohol had a protective effect. No sinister sequelae were des cribed. Conclusions Q fever occurs more frequently in farmers than in non-farmers, but was less common than previously thought. Is Q fever a ccurately described in medical textbooks? A case is made for a more co -operative approach between primary carers and epidemiologists in the study of illnesses in populations.