Abstract:
Background: Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic pathogen of global distribution. Still, in most parts of South
America including Chile, systematic epidemiological data are lacking. The presented study aims to determine the
seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies in healthy adults of four different regions in Chile.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, which included healthy adults living in rural and urban areas of
four cities located in different regions in northern, central, and southern Chile. In urban sectors, households were
chosen by double stratified random sampling, while in rural areas convenience sampling was performed. Serum
specimens were taken and screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen using a
commercial ELISA kit. Positive and indeterminate results were confirmed by a reference laboratory using indirect
immunofluorescence assay (IFA).
Results: A total of 1112 individuals were included. Of those, 8 were positive by ELISA, but only one sample was
confirmed using IFA. Statistical analysis for population freedom from disease revealed a high probability that C.
burnetii was absent in our study population.
Conclusion: Our work provides the first epidemiological data on human Q fever in Chile indicating either a very
low endemicity or the absence of this pathogen in the studied areas.
