[Coxiella burnetii infections as the public-health problem].
THE AIM OF WORK To evaluate the incidence of human Q-fever in individual regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to determine the prevalence and areas at risk of Q-fever incidence, to assess Q-fever seroprevalence and to demonstrate seroprevalence ratings in regard to relevant criteria (sex, age, location of residence). METHODS The research has involved 708 individuals from different cantons, whose sera were tested in Laboratory for Specific Diagnosis of Human Q-fever on the Microbiology Desk of Medical Faculty of University in Sarajevo, during the period from July 2000-December 2003. Sera were tested by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA), using commercial test kit, reagents for Q-fever IFA IgM and IFA IgG for in vitro diagnostic use (Focus technologies). THE RESULTS Specific anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected in 249 (35.2%) individuals, whereof 75 (30.12%) female individuals, and 174 (69.9%) male individuals. Individuals suffering from Q-fever were mostly included in 31-40 aged group (26.8%). Most seropositive individuals were from Zenica-Doboj Canton (35.4%), then from Herzegovinian-Neretvian Canton (22.9%), from Sarajevo Canton (14.5%), from Una-Sana Canton (11.6%), and from Middle-Bosnian Canton (11.6%). CONCLUSIONS In our four-year study, it is serologically demonstrated that Q-fever is imminent in Bosnia and Herzegovina and that it is going to be the actual concern of public health. The number and distribution of seropositive individuals suggest that Q-fever is endemic phenomenon in Bosnia and Herzegovina.