Trends in Q fever serologic testing by immunofluorescence from four large reference laboratories in the United States, 2012–2016. Issue 1 (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miller, Halie; Binder, Alison; Peterson, Amy; Theel, Elitza; Volpe, Joseph; Couturier, Marc; Cherry, Cara; Kersh, Gilbert
• Is Part Of: Scientific reports. Volume 8:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Natural history -- Research -- Periodicals; Biology -- Research -- Periodicals; Physical sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Earth sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 502.85
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34702-2
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-2322

Abstract

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 forC. 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.