Q fever in Quebec (1989-93): Report of 14 cases

Area of Science:

• Zoonotic diseases
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Public health

Background:

• Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease rarely diagnosed in Canada.
• Global incidence has risen since 1960 due to microorganism dissemination in animal populations, especially domestic ruminants.
• Recent outbreaks have been linked to feline reservoirs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report recent Q fever cases in Quebec.
• To investigate potential sources of infection, including livestock and cats.
• To present serological findings from abattoir workers exposed to potential sources.

Main Methods:

• Case reporting and review of Q fever diagnoses in Quebec between 1989 and 1993.
• Epidemiological investigation of nine successive cases in the Trois-Rivières region.
• Serological screening of abattoir workers with potential occupational exposure.

Main Results:

• Nine Q fever cases occurred in 18 months in the Trois-Rivières region, linked to contact with livestock or cats.
• Serological screening results of abattoir workers are presented.
• Five additional Quebec cases during the same period are briefly reviewed.

Conclusions:

• Q fever, though rarely diagnosed, presents a growing public health concern in Canada.
• Contact with domestic animals, particularly livestock and cats, is a significant risk factor.
• Further surveillance and investigation are warranted to understand and control Coxiella burnetii transmission.