Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

The Frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) Antibodies among Slaughterhouse Workers in Kerman city, 2012

Authors

Mohammad-Reza Aflatoonian 1
Mohammad Khalili 2
Masood Sami 2
Zeynab Abiri 3

1 Instructor of Epidemiology, Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases & Research Center of Leishmaniasis, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

3 Postgraduate Student, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract
Background & Aim: Q fever is an important zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii, a Gram negative, obligate intracellular bacterium classified within the order Legionellales. Farmers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and laboratory personnel are among persons at risk of Q fever. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of IgM anti-Coxiella burnetii antibodies in slaughterhouse workers in Kerman city/ Iran. Method: In this survey, 64 sera samples were gathered during May - June 2011 from slaughterhouse workers to evaluate the presence of phase II IgM antibodies against Q fever, using a commercial indirect ELISA test (Virion/Sermon, Germany). Results: Among all sera samples tested, only 5 samples (7.8%) were positive for the presence of IgM antibodies. Conclusion: Since chronic Q fever leads to more complex conditions like endocarditics, chronic fatigue syndrome and recurrent abortion, preventive measures like using mask or available vaccines are recommended. Moreover, early diagnosis of Q fever followed by appropriate treatment is necessary.

Keywords

Q fever
Abattoirs
workers
Serology
ELISA
Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 21, Issue 1
2013
Pages 368-375

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