Epidemics of Q fever in Poland in 1992-1994

From 1992 till the end of 1994, three epidemics of Q fever among people have been recognised in Poland. In 1992 the outbreak of Q fever was detected at the farm near Jawor in Legnica district. Coxiella burnetii infection was recognized serologically in 25 persons (27 tested). Titres of serum antibodies ranged from 8 to 256. It has been found that cattle were the source of human infection. C. burnetii strain has been isolated from the bull semen. In the same year, Q fever was recognized among 18 workers of the tannery in Myślenice, in Kraków district. Antibodies to C. burnetii, in titres from 8 to 2048, were detected in all 18 persons who had a contract with imported skins of wild animals. Serological tests performed again in 1994 showed that elevated titres of serum antibodies persisted in 10 of 14 persons and 9 of them developed phase I antibodies also. Since 1993 several cases of Q fever have been observed among people living in various regions of the country. Epidemiological investigations have revealed that infected patients are seasonal workers employed during the shearing time in Spain. Specific serum antibodies reached titre 512. The strains of C. burnetii were isolated from urine and semen of 2 patients.