Analysis of seroprevalence against [i]Coxiella burnetii[/i] in a sample of farm workers in Western Sicily
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2016, Vol 23, Issue 1
Abstract
[b]Introduction and objective. [/b]Little is known about the development of chronic Q fever caused by [i]Coxiella burnetii [/i]in occupational risk groups and in the general population in Italy, as well as in many countries in the world. The aim of this study was to highlight the presence of the infection in a sample of workers operating outdoors (but not directly in contact with animals), in three provinces of western Sicily, in order to detect the human seroprevalence and compare the obtained data with those found in animals raised in the same territory. [b]Materials and methods.[/b] The study included 126 generic seasonal agricultural workers (labourers), 84 male and 42 female; none of whom were aware of any previous contact with[i] Coxiella burnetii.[/i] Their immunologic status against [i]Coxiella burnetii[/i] was tested through research and titration of both phases I and II specific antibodies (IgG) with an indirect immunofluorescence assay, using anti-antibodies labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. All data were statistically analyzed, comparing all positive results from the three provinces through variance analysis, and then comparing human results with those obtained from animals raised in the considered areas, specifically, 1,511 cows, 46 of which were found positive (3.04%), and 3,391 sheep, 548 of which were found positive (16.16%). [b]Results.[/b] Anti-Coxiella antibodies were found in nine of 42 females sampled (21.4%; 95%CI=[9.0–33.8]) and 21 of 84 males sampled (25.0%; 95%CI=[15.7–34.3]). 60% (18 of 30; 95%CI=[42.5–77.5]) of seropositive samples were positive either for Phase I antigen or for both Phase I and II antigens, representing cases of chronic infection. Applying Spearman’s rank correlation, the percentage of seropositive humans was significantly correlated with that observed for sheep (r=1.00; p<0.001), but not for cows (r=-0.5; p=0.667). [b]Conclusions. [/b]The results obtained, although based on a small sample, suggest that the disease is present in the territory of Western Sicily, both in animals and in humans. A closer collaboration between doctors and veterinarians is therefore necessary to fight against the spread of the infection.
Authors and Affiliations
MG Verso, G Vesco, S Villari, P Galluzzo, V Gargano, D Matranga, P De Marchis
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP79315
- DOI 10.5604/12321966.1196855
- Views 152
- Downloads 0
Effect of an anti-tobacco programme of health education on changes in health behaviours among junior high school adolescents in Białystok, Poland
Introduction. School health education programmes are among the instruments for the prevention of tobacco smoking among children and adolescents. Knowledge obtained in evaluation studies of these programmes indicates the...
Exposure to environmental factors and relationship to allergic rhinitis and/or sthma
Introduction and objectives. Studies analyzing risk factors, multiple indoor and outdoor factors related to asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (AR) in childhood, are very rare. The presented study was carried out to simulta...
Disorders of the musculoskeletal system among dentists from the aspect of ergonomics and prophylaxis.
The profession of dentist exposes them during their work to many burdensome and harmful factors. The irrational posture adopted by dentists during their work causes discomfort and disorders of the musculoskeletal system...
Microbial air quality at Szczawnica sanatorium, Poland.
Nowadays, sanatorium treatment is undergoing a renaissance; however, data on air quality in such premises are scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize microbial air quality at the Szczawnica sanatorium in Southe...
A cross-sectional study of cardiovascular disease and associated factors
Objective: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Poland. Data on risk factors of CVD in this country are limited. The presented study investigated risk factors of self-reported CVD...