Prevalence of markers of Q fever exposure in the Kimberley, Western Australia

Abstract

Although a large pastoral industry exists in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, there is no previously published information about the prevalence of immune markers for Q fever exposure in this region's population. This paper identifies the prevalence of, and factors associated with, positive immune markers of Q fever, and reports the uptake of Q fever vaccination by eligible subjects in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Data regarding Q fever risk-factors were obtained using a standard questionnaire. Immunity and previous exposure to Q fever were assessed using both serology and a skin test, in accordance with accepted protocol. Fifty-nine subjects underwent Q fever pre-vaccination testing. The prevalence of a positive skin and/or blood test, indicating past exposure was 66 per cent (95% CI 52% - 78%). After controlling for age and having lived on a farm at any time, employment in the pastoral industry was the only factor significantly associated with being skin and/or blood test positive (OR=24.6, 95% CI 3.0 - 204). Acceptance of vaccination was high, with 75 per cent of eligible subjects undergoing vaccination. The high prevalence of immune markers for Q fever in the Kimberley in this sample indicates that the disease is present in the region, despite the last recorded case being in 1986. Ensuring that Q fever vaccination is readily accessible to pastoralists, abattoir workers and other at-risk groups is a challenge that needs to be met by these industries and health services of the region. Commun Dis Intell 2003;27:267-271.