A systematic knowledge synthesis on the spatial dimensions of Q fever epidemics
De Rooij, Myrna M.T.; Van Leuken, Jeroen P.G.; Swart, Arno; Kretzschmar, Mirjam E.E.; Nielen, Mirjam; De Koeijer, Aline A.; Janse, Ingmar; Wouters, Inge M.; Heederik, Dick J.J.
(2019) Zoonoses and Public Health, volume 66, issue 1, pp. 14 - 25
(Article)
Abstract
From 2007 through 2010, the Netherlands experienced the largest Q fever epidemic ever reported. This study integrates the outcomes of a multidisciplinary research programme on spatial airborne transmission of Coxiella burnetii and reflects these outcomes in relation to other scientific Q fever studies worldwide. We have identified lessons learned and
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remaining knowledge gaps. This synthesis was structured according to the four steps of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA): (a) Rapid source identification was improved by newly developed techniques using mathematical disease modelling; (b) source characterization efforts improved knowledge but did not provide accurate C. burnetii emission patterns; (c) ambient air sampling, dispersion and spatial modelling promoted exposure assessment; and (d) risk characterization was enabled by applying refined dose-response analyses. The results may support proper and timely risk assessment and risk management during future outbreaks, provided that accurate and structured data are available and exchanged readily between responsible actors.
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Keywords: airborne exposure, Coxiella burnetii, epidemiology, Q fever, risk assessment, spatial analysis, Epidemics, Q Fever/epidemiology, Animals, Coxiella burnetii/physiology, Models, Biological, Humans, General Veterinary, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Infectious Diseases, General Immunology and Microbiology, Epidemiology, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Journal Article
ISSN: 1863-1959
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Note: © 2018 The Authors. Zoonoses and Public Health Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
(Peer reviewed)