High Coxiella burnetii Seroconversion Rate in Veterinary Students, the Netherlands, 2006–2010

Abstract

We examined Coxiella burnetii seroconversion rates by measuring C. burnetii IgG among 2 cohorts of veterinary students. During follow-up of 118 seronegative veterinary students, 23 students seroconverted. Although the clinical importance of the presence of antibodies is unknown, veterinary students should be informed about the potential risks for Q fever.

Keywords

• Q fever
• Coxiella burnetii
• seroepidemiologic studies
• seroconversion
• veterinarians
• students