Seroprevalence of Q Fever in Rural Pregnant Women in Khorramabad Using IFA Method

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular microorganism that causes Q fever in humans and animals. A high risk for obstetric complications has been reported among women infected with Coxiella burnetii. The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of C.burnetii infection among rural pregnant women in Khorramabad.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 184 serum samples were collected randomly from pregnant women who were referred to clinical laboratories and health centers in Khorramabad, Iran, from December 2016 to June 2017. A commercial IFA kit was used to detect the specific antibodies against phase II human C. burnetii in serum samples.

In this study, 89 (48.4%) serum samples had Coxiella antibodies. No significant relationship was observed between the variables of this study. Serological results based on the sampling month demonstrated that the most positive cases were observed in December (83.3%) which was statistically significant (P<0.001).

The present study demonstrated a high seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection among pregnant women in Khorramabad. Since Q fever is a dangerous factor in pregnant women, the Ministry of Health and Medical Education should take appropriate policy to raise the awareness of people at risk, especially those who have frequent contact with livestock.