Vaccine prophylaxis of Q fever. A follow-up study of the efficacy of Q-Vax (CSL) 1985-1990.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the efficacy of various batches of a formalin-inactivated whole cell Coxiella burnetti vaccine (Henzerling strain, Phase 1 [Q-Vax, CSL]) in the prevention of Q fever among abattoir workers.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

The study was a retrospective cohort survey of all employees at three South Australian abattoirs to determine the incidence of Q fever among vaccinated and unvaccinated employees during the period 1985 to 1990.

RESULTS:

There were two cases of Q fever among 2555 vaccinated employees of the three abattoirs, compared with 55 cases among 1365 unvaccinated employees. The two Q fever cases in vaccinated employees were within a few days of vaccination, before immunity had developed, and represented a coincidence of natural infection and vaccination. Protective efficacy was 100%, even with a batch of Q-Vax containing 20 micrograms/dose rather than the standard dose of 30 micrograms/dose.

CONCLUSIONS:

Vaccination was effective for at least five years, although it was uncertain whether this was due to the vaccine per se or to a combination of vaccine immunity reinforced by periodic natural exposure.

• Authors: J R Ackland, D A Worswick, B P Marmion
• Journal: The Medical journal of Australia (Med J Aust) Vol. 160 Issue 11 Pg. 704-8 (Jun 06 1994) ISSN: 0025-729X [Print] Australia
• PMID: 8202006 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bacterial Vaccines
• Vaccines, Inactivated

Topics

• Abattoirs
• Adult
• Bacterial Vaccines (administration & dosage)
• Cohort Studies
• Coxiella burnetii (immunology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Incidence
• Male
• Occupational Diseases (diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology, prevention & control)
• Q Fever (diagnosis, epidemiology, microbiology, prevention & control)
• Retrospective Studies
• Skin Tests
• South Australia (epidemiology)
• Time Factors
• Vaccines, Inactivated (administration & dosage)