Author/Authors :
Gozalan, A. Refik Saydam Hygiene Centre - Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Turkey , Esen, B. Refik Saydam Hygiene Centre - Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Turkey , Rolain, J.M. WHO Collaborative Centre for Rickettsial Reference and Research, France , Akin, L. Hacettepe University - School of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Turkey , Raoult, D. WHO Collaborative Centre for Rickettsial Reference and Research, France
Abstract :
Between 4 May and 8 August 2002, 46 cases of acute fever were reported near the Black Sea region in northern Turkey.The infection was treated rapidly and successfully with tetracyclines, so clinical diagnosis of rickettsial or ehrlichial infection was considered. Analysis of serum and blood samples taken from 19 patients identified the causative organism as Coxiella burnetii; 7 cases were reported as acute Q fever and 8 as seropositive for past infection.The most common clinical symptoms among the acute cases were vomiting (100.0%), nausea (85.7%), diarrhoea (57.1%), fever (42.9%), abdominal pain (42.9%) and headache (42.9%). Liver enzymes were elevated in all patients. It is considered that epidemiological inves- tigation for Q fever will be essential in the affected region in future.
