Q-Fever, originally called “abattoir fever” after its association with abattoir workers, was first recognised in Brisbane in 1934.

Using human and animal samples, researchers from the Infectious Diseases and Immunopathogenesis Research Group at James Cook University have shown for the first time that lymphocytes are involved in protection against Coxiella burnetii, the bacteria responsible for the Q-Fever infection. The researchers have identified a number of immunodominant proteins in Q-Fever and are using these to develop a sensitive and reliable diagnostic assay.

• Industry partnership