Prevalence of Coxiella burnetti Infection in Military Training Areas in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Abstract

Between 1987 and 1992, the presence of antibodies to the Q fever agent was investigated in seven military training areas (MTA) on the territory of the Czech republic and Slovakia. Using a complement fixation test (CFT), antibodies in cattle were confirmed (Coxiella burnetii, phase II, titer greater than or equal to 8) in two MTA, and in small ground mammals in five MTA. In one MTA, the C. burnetii strain was isolated from cow milk. No antibodies were found in enlisted soldiers, horses, sheep, dogs or game. The presence of C. burnetii strains under the specific MTA conditions has been demonstrated and it is possible that people in those areas may be infected. The risk of infection, however, is the same as in a civilian environment. It seems that the virulence of C. burnetii strains circulating in MTA is relatively low.