Prevalence and risk factor of Q fever among veterinary students in Iran

ABSTRACT

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution. This study is aimed to determine seroprevalence of Q fever and to identify the correlation between 8 risk factors for Q fever among students at Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in the study in Iran. In the present study, 121 blood samples (serum) were taken from students and tested using indirect diagnostic ELISA kit. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence interval, Chi-square statistical test, and logistic regression. Results showed that 34.7% were positive from all the serum samples. Results of the regression test showed that correlation only between age (P-Value = 0.038) and sex (in women; P-Value = 0.05, OR = 2.22 95% CI = [1.00 - 4.90]) with positive serum titer of acute Q fever. According to the results, high seroprevalence of Q fever was observed among the veterinary students. This problem can be solved by taking more careful preventive measures against this disease in the training centers and veterinary students.