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Q fever and animal abortion in Cyprus
Summary
An outbreak of Q fever affected British soldiers in Cyprus, causing pneumonia and hepatitis. The infection was linked to Coxiella burneti from local sheep and goat flocks, likely spread via airborne dust.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burneti.
- Outbreaks can occur in areas with livestock, posing risks to human populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of Q fever among British soldiers in Cyprus.
- To identify the source and transmission routes of the infection.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of human cases.
- Serological surveys of affected military personnel and local animal flocks.
- Environmental assessment of potential exposure sources.
Main Results:
- 78 British soldiers contracted Q fever, with 59% developing pneumonia and 81% showing biochemical evidence of hepatitis.
- An abortion epidemic in local sheep and goat flocks was identified as the source, linked to Coxiella burneti.
- Human infection was likely acquired through inhalation of contaminated dust from parturition products.
Conclusions:
- The Q fever outbreak in soldiers was directly linked to a concurrent animal abortion epidemic.
- Inhalation of contaminated dust is a significant transmission route for Q fever.
- Subclinical and asymptomatic infections were observed in military and local populations, respectively.