Intradermal Sensitivity Testing in Man with a Purified Vaccine for Q Fever

Abstract

Skin testing of persons for sensitivity to Coxiella burnetii prior to vaccination for Q fever is recommended. This is advisable because the organism is one producing a high degree of sensitization in man and its increasing prevalence in the environment makes this an important consideration. Method of preparation and specifications for a purified vaccine and its use in the proposed, standardized skin test are discussed. The use of this test as an additional method for determining the past history, with respect to exposure to C. burnetii, of a population is also recommended.