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The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii
07:27

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Published on: April 18, 2016

Significance of Q fever serologic diagnosis in clinically suspect patients

S Hamzić1, E Beslagić, S Zvizdić

  • 1Medical Faculty University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. sadetahamzic@yahoo.com

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|July 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Q fever diagnosis relies on serology, detecting antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. Indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) effectively identifies IgM and IgG antibodies in suspect patients, confirming Q fever cases.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Q fever is a significant zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.
  • Diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia is crucial for clinical confirmation.
  • The disease spectrum ranges from mild to fatal, with potential complications like chronic endocarditis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of serological testing for Q fever diagnosis.
  • To assess the effectiveness of indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) in detecting Q fever antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Sera from 31 clinically suspect patients were analyzed.
  • Indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) was used to detect Q fever IgM and IgG antibodies.
  • Antibody levels were correlated with clinical suspicion.

Main Results:

  • 21 out of 44 sera (47.7%) were seropositive for Q fever.
  • Specific IgM antibodies were found in 19.4% of patients, and IgG in 51.2%.
  • No specific antibodies were detected in 48.3% of clinically suspect patients.

Conclusions:

  • Serological testing is vital for laboratory diagnosis and clinical affirmation of Q fever.
  • Indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) is a reliable method for routine Q fever diagnosis.
  • Further investigation may be needed for seronegative suspect cases.

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