Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6130946 | Clinical Microbiology and Infection | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, may result in abortions in infected animals and pregnant women. However, the role that Q fever plays in spontaneous abortions is still unknown. This study examined the association between Q fever serology and abortion in a region where Q fever is endemic. A case-control population-based study was conducted in General Yagüe Hospital (Burgos area, Spain) between June 2009 and July 2010. A total of 801 samples from 500 pregnant women were tested, of whom 273 had a spontaneous abortion and 227 gave birth. IgG and IgM antibody titres against Q fever were determined in their two phases (I and II) by immunofluorescence assay. Seropositivity (phase I IgG â¥1:16 or phase II IgG â¥1:80) was detected in 88/273 (32.2%) cases and 53/227 (23.3%) controls; p <0.01, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.3. Seropositivity for both phases of IgG, compatible with recent or persistent infection, was detected in 55 (20.1%) vs 22 (9.7%); p <0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9. High phase II IgG antibodies compatible with active or recent infection (titres â¥1:160) were detected in 27 (9.6%) vs 7 (3.1%); p <0.002, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-8.0, respectively. Q fever was diagnosed in 14 (5.1%) cases. The risk of abortion associated with serological markers of active or recent Q fever in pregnant women was measurable and noticeable in this population, and accounted for 12% (95% CI 4-21%).
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Authors
S.G. Quijada, B.M. Terán, P.S. Murias, A.A. Anitua, J.L.B. Cermeño, A.B. FrÃas,