[Serological study of the presence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetti and Brucella abortus in veterinarians in the Netherlands].

Two hundred and twenty-two large animal practitioners in the Netherlands were studied serologically for the presence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) and Brucella abortus. Eighty-four percent showed antibodies to Coxiella burnetii, which were equally distributed over all age-groups. For blood donors the proportion in men was 31 per cent and 14 per cent in women, also equally distributed over all age-groups. In the case of Brucella abortus, the number of veterinarians showing antibodies in creased with age from 6 to 69 per cent. The conclusion that Q-fever is enzootic in the Netherlands would appear to be justified. This is contrary to the view that was previously accepted.