Q Fever Studies in Southern California: II. An Epidemiological Study of 300 Cases

Abstract

This is essentially an epidemi-ologic study. There was difficulty in locating cases. Physicians, hospitals and Health Depts. cooperated and community interest was aroused by talks before various groups. Diagnosis was established either by isolation of Coxiella burneti or increased complement fixation antibody titer, in addition to clinical observations. Case distributions and histories suggested that human cases were derived from natural sources of infection other than human. No one possible mode of spread accounted for more than half the cases. The 3 most probable factors in acquiring infection were thought to be occupation in dairies or stockyards, residence in close proximity to these and the use of raw milk.