Spatial, temporal, and occupational risks of Q fever infection in South Australia, 2007-2017

• Autores principales: Md R. Rahaman (Autor), Adriana Milazzo (Autor), Helen Marshall (Autor), Peng Bi (Autor)
• Formato: Libro
• Publicado: Elsevier, 2020-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Materias: article
• Acceso en línea: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1876-0341; 10.1016/j.jiph.2019.10.002
• Keywords: Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health, Vol 13, Iss 4, Pp 544-551 (2020)

Background: The burden of Q fever on at risk population groups in Australia is substantial, despite the availability of a vaccine. Our objectives were to: (a) describe the epidemiology of notified Q fever cases in South Australia (SA), (b) identify if Q fever infection is associated with occupational exposure, and (c) detect the possible spatial and temporal association of Q fever with livestock density. Methods: Laboratory confirmed Q fever notifications from January 2007 to December 2017 were obtained from the SA Health Department. Q fever notification rates and incidence rate ratios were calculated for gender, notification year, age group, occupation category, and primary exposure suburb. Spatial mapping and analysis of Q fever notifications was undertaken using livestock data, and abattoirs and saleyards located in SA. Results: During the study period 167 Q fever cases were notified. Males predominated (72%), with higher rates observed in the 21-40 year age group (1.52/100,000), and eight cases (5%) reported prior Q fever vaccination. Most frequently listed occupation categories were livestock farmers (35%), and abattoir workers (20%), but in 15% of cases, there was no known occupational risk. Highest notifications (22%) were recorded in the suburb containing an abattoir. The number of goats, cattle and sheep was not associated with Q fever notifications. Conclusions: Q fever predominance among males in their twenties and thirties may indicate vaccination under-coverage among the young workforce possibly due to high turnover of workers. Q fever among those vaccinated raises concerns about vaccine efficacy or potential waning immunity. Our findings are consistent with previous studies highlighting abattoir workers as a high-risk occupational group because of its transient workforce, and low vaccination coverage. Q fever notifications in SA may be unrelated with spatial livestock density. Further One Health research involving veterinary, public health and environmental data is required. Keywords: Q fever, Spatial, Occupational, Livestock, South Australia, One Health