Characterizations of Chinese isolates of Coxiella burnetii in the com1 gene sequence

Objective: To know some genetical characterizations of Coxiella burnetii Chinese isolates by comparing the coml gene sequence. Methods: com1 gene sequences of Chinese isolates were amplified, se-quenced, and analyzed by comparing our result and the previous published data. Results: Three different com1 sequences were identified in 7 Chinese isolates. Sequence comparison indicated that the isolates harboring the QpRS plasmid could be defined as a new group and, in addition, the isolates carrying the same plas-mid type showed similar com1 gene sequence. Conclusion: Study suggests that the classification of the group based on the coml gene sequence is highly associated with the plasmid type of the isolates and, however, little related to disease forms and geographical origins of the isolates.

卫生防护中心调查Q热感染个案

8月22日，据国家质量监督检验检疫总局卫生检疫监管司最新疫情通报，卫生署卫生防护中心及澳门卫生当局（8月20日）就1名居于澳门的52岁男子被证实感染Q热（Qfever）的个案，进行调查。病人自6月11日开始持续发烧，在澳门接受治疗，并于7月28日到达香港，转到玛丽医院留医。病人的两个血清样本显示伯纳特立克次体的抗体上升。他的临床征状和血清化验结果与急性Q热相符。调查显示，病人主要在室内工作，在疾病潜伏期没有到过动物园、农场或乡郊等地方。他的家人当中并没有出现有关病征。这是卫生防护中心在2008年接获的首宗Q热个案。在2004、2005及2006年，分别有一宗、三宗及两宗确诊个案，但2007年没有接获报告。