Global Seroprevalence of Q Fever Antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in Children and Adolescents : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed global Q fever seroprevalence in children and adolescents under 20 years, analyzing data from 42 studies involving 9,841 participants. The highest seroprevalence was found in Ethiopia at 45%, with an overall estimate of 15% in older children (≥10 years) compared to 8% in younger children (<10 years).

Key findings

• Q fever seroprevalence was highest in Ethiopia at 45%.
• The overall seroprevalence in older children (≥10 years) was 15%.
• Younger children (<10 years) had a seroprevalence of 8%.
• Seroprevalence varied significantly across different countries and regions.

Why it matters

Understanding the seroprevalence of Q fever in children and adolescents is crucial for public health, as it highlights the potential risk of serious infections and the need for diagnostic and preventive strategies in various regions.