Drie jaar Q-koorts in Nederland: snellere diagnose

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess if more rapid diagnosis and treatment is possible and to assess if this could be improved, since the first outbreak of Q fever in 2007. DESIGN: Retrospective study of secondary data. METHODS: Analysis of surveillance data regarding Q fever over the period 2007 to 2009 and additional information on some patients from 2007 and 2008 obtained from general practitioners. RESULTS: Diagnostic delay fell sharply between 2007 and 2009 and to a lesser extent, so did therapeutic delay from 2007 to 2008. In high incidence areas, diagnosis and treatment was faster with a lower proportion of patients admitted to hospital than in low incidence areas. CONCLUSION: It appears that familiarity with the condition leads to faster diagnosis coupled with a lower percentage of hospital admissions. In order to react quickly it is necessary that doctor and patient should be aware of Q fever, especially in areas of low incidence. Polymerase chain reaction diagnostic techniques should also be available.