The occurrence ofCoxiella burnetiiin North-Western England and North Wales

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Abstract
A retrospective survey of Coxiella burnetii infection in North-Western England and North Wales was made in five Public Health Laboratories for the years 1962–6 inclusive. Groups of the normal population and of persons occupationally exposed to infection were tested for the presence of antibody and the incidence of infected milk was investigated in seven counties.Forty-one cases of C. burnetii infection were diagnosed in 7046 patients investigated serologically for the presence of viral and rickettsial antibodies. In just over a quarter of the patients there was evidence of occupational hazard or a history of drinking raw milk. The remainder gave no relevant history.We would like to express our thanks to Dr C. M. Patricia Bradstreet of the Standards Laboratory, Colindale, for the supply of antigen, and to the numerous clinicians who allowed us access to their case records.