Q-FEVER - PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODIES TO COXIELLA-BURNETII IN THE BASQUECOUNTRY

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of Coxiella burn etii infection in the Basque population. To this end a stratified samp ling was carried out taking as a criterion the size of the population in a given area of residence. Residents in sparsely populated areas we re found to have a prevalence of 38.5%, significantly greater than in highly populated areas (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interva l [Cl]: 1.08-2.27 and OR = 1.58; 95% Cl: 1.09-2.30). The prevalence wa s significantly higher in males (36.3%) than in females (29%), and was found to increase significantly with age. Current or previous partici pation in activities relating to agriculture and/or livestock farming or even having contact with cattle, goats or sheep were also found to be risk factors for the infection. A fuller study of the determinants of chronic Q fever should be initiated.