Trends in Q fever serologic testing by immunofluorescence from four large reference laboratories in the United States, 2012-2016

Sci Rep. 2018 Nov 12;8(1):16670. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-34702-2.

Abstract

Laboratory testing for Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) is essential for a differential diagnosis, yet little is known about Q fever diagnostic testing practices in the United States. We retrospectively analyzed Q fever immunoglobulin G (IgG) indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) testing data between 1/1/2012-10/31/2016 from ARUP, LabCorp, Mayo Medical Laboratories, and Quest Diagnostics. Data included IgG phase I and phase II titers, patient age and sex, and state and date of specimen collection. On average, 12,821 specimens were tested for Q fever annually by the participating laboratories. Of 64,106 total specimens, 84.1% tested negative for C. burnetii-specific antibodies. Positive titers ranged from 16 to 262,144 against both phase I and phase II antigens. Submission of specimens peaked during the summer months, and more specimens were submitted from the West North Central division. Testing occurred more frequently in males (53%) and increased with age. In conclusion, few U.S. Q fever cases are reported, despite large volumes of diagnostic specimens tested. Review of commercial laboratory data revealed a lack of paired serology samples and patterns of serology titers that differ from case reporting diagnostic criteria.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / immunology
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Coxiella burnetii / immunology
  • Coxiella burnetii / pathogenicity
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Q Fever / blood*
  • Q Fever / immunology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Serologic Tests / methods*
  • United States
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G