Different Regions Of Croatia Research Articles

Differences in nutritional status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions in Croatia.

The nutritional status of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant factor that influences the prognosis of the disease. This observational study aimed to analyse the nutritional status of COPD patients and assess the associations between nutritional status, disease severity, and exercise capacity in four different regions of Croatia. In this multicentre study, 534 COPD patients were recruited and evaluated concerning fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), phase angle (PhA), pulmonary function tests, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). There were 325 (60.9%) male and 209 (39.1%) female patients with a mean age of 66.7±8.4 years. Most patients (73.2%) exhibited a moderate to severely abnormal obstructive pattern and had a reduced 6MWT distance (396.5±110.8 m). Among the participants, 32.8% were overweight and 22.3% were obese, and they had satisfactory values for nutritional status variables (FFM, FFMI, SMMI, PhA). There were no statistical differences between the centres in terms of nutritional status variables. There was a significantly positive correlation of FEV1 with BMI (r=0.148, p=0.001), PhA (r=0.256, p=0.00), FFM (r=0.365, p=0.00), and SMMI (r=0.238, p=0.00). However, there was no significant correlation of the 6MWT with BMI (r=-0.049, p=0.254), FFM (r=0.065, p=0.133), and SMMI (r=-0.007, p=0.867). The data analysis demonstrated that our patients were not underweight and that there was no significant difference between the centres in terms of BMI, FFM, FFMI, SMMI, and PhA. This lack of significant difference was observed even though one of the regions studied was Mediterranean.

Spectrophotometric determination of the main polyphenol groups in propolis samples from different regions of Croatia

Spectrophotometric procedures for the rapid characterization of propolis have been performed on propolis samples from different regions of Croatia. In order to determine the major groups of bioactive compounds in propolis, the following optimised and validated spectrophotometric methods were carried out: the Folin-Ciocalteu method for the content of total phenolics (TPs) and two distinct methods for the content of total flavonoids: aluminium chloride (AlCl3 ) complexation method for total flavones/flavonols (TFFs) and the 2.4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2.4-DNPH) method for total flavanones/dihydroflavonols (TFDs). Validation parameters, including linearity, sensitivity, range, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision and robustness were implemented. The following polyphenol standards were used for the validation procedure: gallic acid (GA), pinocembrin (PC), galangin (GN), quercetin (QC) and a mixture of PC and GN. Validated methods were applied to analyse six samples of raw propolis from Croatian continental and Adriatic regions. The high qualitative/quantitative variability of the TP, TFF and TFD content was observed. Although the method of extraction (ultrasonic-assisted extraction or microwave assisted extraction) showed a non-significant effect on extraction yield (P>0.05) and the polyphenolic concentrations obtained of each sample in general, ultrasonic extraction was found to be more selective. Furthermore, the calibration compound used for constructing the calibration curve highly influenced the final concentrations of TPs and TFFs. The study showed good linearity, accuracy, repeatability, intermediate precision, LOD and LOQ for all three spectrophotometric methods, considering that these analyses are the basis for further research into the individual polyphenolic compounds in the propolis samples covered by this research.

Changes in consultation mode during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatian family medicine: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo describe the changes in the type, length and reasons for consultations in primary healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia. This study aimed to test a hypothesis regarding the...

Identification of Metal Threads from Croatian Fabrics

Abstract This article deals with the analysis of metal threads in weaving from historical Croatian textiles, liturgical vestments, and folk costumes from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The independent narrow stripes, wires, and the srma that was formed by a combination of metal thread wrapped around a non-metal textile yarn were collected and analysed. Using physicochemical method scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), the metal composition and content in the threads were analysed. By cross-sectional analysis of metal threads by the SEM-EDX method, it was determined whether the metal threads were homogeneous, gilded, or silver-plated. The composition and structure of non-metal textile yarns were determined by light microscopy. Metal threads were primarily made of gold, silver, or copper and their alloys, but recently less valuable metals having a similar shine have generally been used. Non-metal textile threads in srma are most often made of silk, cotton, and linen. The aim of this study was to determine which type and composition of metal threads were used in different regions of Croatia, which can serve as a database for the restoration and conservation of valuable historical textiles. Also, according to the composition of metal threads, the technology of production threads can be determined and the temporal and spatial dating of textile objects can be determined approximately.

Identification of powdery mildew resistance in wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris Gmel Hegi) from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) is widely recognized as an important source of resistance or tolerance genes for diseases and environmental stresses. Recent studies revealed partial resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator, PM) in V. sylvestris from Central Asia. Here, we report resistance to PM of V. sylvestris collected from different regions of Croatia and in seedling populations established from in situ V. sylvestris accessions. Ninety-one in situ individuals and 67 V. sylvestris seedlings were evaluated for PM resistance according to OIV 455 descriptor. Three SSR markers (SC47-18, SC8-071-0014, and UDV-124) linked to PM resistance locus Ren1 were used to decipher allelic structure. Nine seedlings showed resistance in in vivo evaluations while leaf disk assays revealed three PM-resistant accessions. One V. vinifera cultivar used as a control for PM evaluations also showed high phenotypic resistance. Based on the presence of one or two resistance alleles that are linked to the Ren1 locus, 32 resistant seedlings and 41 resistant in situ genotypes were identified in the investigated set. Eight seedlings showed consistent phenotypic PM resistance, of which seven carried one or two alleles at the tested markers. This study provides the first evidence of PM resistance present within the eastern Adriatic V. sylvestris germplasm.

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) in urinary infection isolates.

Recently, emergence of carbapenem-resistance, in particular due to Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), was observed among K. pneumoniae causing urinary tract infections in Croatia. The aim of the study was to characterize, antimicrobial susceptibility, carbapenem resistance, virulence traits and plasmid types of the urinary KPC positive isolates of K. pneumoniae. The antimicrobial susceptibility to a wide range of antibiotics was determined by broth microdilution method. The transferability of meropenem resistance was determined by conjugation (broth mating method) employing Escherichia coli J63 strain resistant to sodium azide. Genes encoding broad and extended-spectrum β-lactamases, plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases, group A and B carbapenemases, and carbapenem hydrolyzing oxacillinases (blaOXA-48like), respectively, were determined by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In total 30 KPC-positive K. pneumoniae urinary isolates collected from different regions of Croatia were analysed. The isolates were uniformly resistant to all tested antibiotics except for variable susceptibility to gentamicin, sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and colistin, respectively. Four isolates were resistant to colistin with MICs values ranging from 4 to 16mg/L. All tested isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Sixteen isolates transferred meropenem resistance to E. coli recipient strain by conjugation. Other resistance markers were not co-transferred. PCR was positive for blaKPC and blaSHV genes in all isolates whereas 13 isolates tested positive also for blaTEM genes. PCR based replicon typing (PBRT) revealed the presence of FIIs in 13 and FIA plasmid in two strains. The study showed dissemination of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae in urinary isolates, posing a new epidemiological and treatment challenge. Sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim, colistin, and ceftazidime/avibactam remain so far, as the therapeutic options.

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dry-fermented sausages in Croatia, by LC-MS/MS

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to develop a highly-sensitive liquid chromatographic – tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method to investigate the presence of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in traditional homemade sausages (n = 88) collected from small family farms situated in different regions in Croatia. Aflatoxins were not detected (<LOD) in any of the analysed samples, whereas the percentage of OTA-positive homemade sausages was 14.8%, consisting of 1.1% Istrian sausages, 7.9% Slavonian sausages and 5.7% Kulenova Seka. In Slavonian sausages, the mean OTA concentration was 0.27 ± 0.09 μg/kg with a maximum of 0.38 μg/kg, while in Kulenova Seka the mean concentration was 0.26 ± 0.14 μg/kg, rising to a maximum of 0.48 μg/kg. Statistically significant differences (p = .243) in OTA concentrations across different types of homemade sausage and sampling regions were not determined.

Otpornost autohtonih sojeva Bradyrhizobium japonicum na stres izazvan nedostatkom vlage

Bioloska fiksacija dusika uvelike ovisi o uvjetima tla, a nedostatak vode uzrokuje porast koncentracije soli i povisenje osmotskog tlaka u tlu sto

Fenotipska i genotipska raznolikost sojeva Sinorhizobium meliloti izoliranih iz tala Zadarske županije

Soil bacteria, Sinorhizobium meliloti is of great agricultural importance because of its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with alfalfa very valuable forage crop. The main aim of this study was to evaluate tolerance of indigenous S. meliloti strains to stress environmental conditions. Twenty rhizobial strains, isolated from different regions in Croatia, were genotipically characterized to assess diversity amongst natural population. Stress tolerance assays were performed in order to select indigenous rhizobia with tolerance to unfavorable soil conditions. The growth of the strains was studied at different pH values, temperatures, NaCl and heavy metals concentrations. The results of 16S rDNA genotyping using PCR/RFLP analysis showed that 17 isolates could be assigned to S. meliloti while RAPD and ERIC-PCR fingerprints revealed significant genetic diversity among indigenous rhizobial strains. In comparison to the reference strain, higher resistance to adverse growth conditions of indigenous S. meliloti strains was determined. Most of the strains grew at temperatures higher than optimal and tolerated both acidic and alkaline environment. It was found that indigenous strains tolerate extremely high NaCl concentrations. Better understanding of rhizobial response to adverse environmental conditions is of potential value for improving rhizobial inoculants and efficiency of symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

Targeted and untargeted LC-MS polyphenolic profiling and chemometric analysis of propolis from different regions of Croatia

Propolis is a complex biological matrix consisting mostly of plant resins and waxes, and in a small proportion of the herbal secondary metabolites, phenols. Phenols are components that are responsible for biological activities of propolis, however, their qualitative and quantitative composition is strongly influenced by climate and vegetation. Although studies on profiling of propolis samples from different countries have been carried out for some time propolis from Croatia is still not characterized till now. Targeted liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole (LC-QQQ), untargeted liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (LC-QTOF) and direct injection QTOF methods were developed and 56 propolis samples from different geographical regions of Croatia were analyzed. Results revealed that there is not only one expected type of propolis in the territory of Croatia; i.e. beside expected European "poplar" propolis another type can be distinguished. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Partial least squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that the phenolic content of propolis samples significantly changes under the influence of the Mediterranean, so the “European” propolis type mixes with the Mediterranean type on the Croatian coast, especially on the islands. For fast screening of propolis type, direct injection QTOF analysis demonstrated to be fast and reliable method, but for unambiguous identification of phenolic compounds, chromatographic separation is indispensable. This paper presents the findings from the first research on phenolic profiling of propolis from Croatia.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Wolbachia sp. but not Ehrlichia canis in Croatian dogs.

The bacteria Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis are tick-borne agents that cause canine vector-borne disease. The prevalence of these pathogens in South Eastern Europe is unknown with the exception of an isolated case of A. platys detected in a dog imported into Germany from Croatia. To gain a better insight into their presence and prevalence, PCR-based screening for these bacterial pathogens was performed on domesticated dogs from different regions of Croatia. Blood samples from 1080 apparently healthy dogs from coastal and continental parts of Croatia as well as tissue samples collected from 63 deceased dogs with a history of anaemia and thrombocytopenia were collected for molecular screening by an Anaplasmataceae-specific 16S rRNA conventional PCR. Positive samples were confirmed using a second Anaplasmataceae-specific PCR assay with the PCR product sequenced for the purpose of bacterial species identification. All sequenced isolates were georeferenced and a kernel intensity estimator was used to identify clusters of greater case intensity. 42/1080 (3.8%; CI 2.7-5.0) of the healthy dogs were PCR positive for bacteria in the Anaplasmataceae. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplified from these positive samples revealed the presence of A. platys in 2.5% (CI 1.6-3.4%, 27 dogs), A. phagocytophilum in 0.3% (CI 0-0.6%, 3 dogs) and a Wolbachia endosymbiont in 1.1% (CI 0.4-1.6%, 12 dogs) of dogs screened in this study. Necropsied dogs were free from infection. Notably, no evidence of E. canis infection was found in any animal. This survey represents a rare molecular study of Anaplasmataceae in dogs in South Eastern Europe, confirming the presence of A. platys and A. phagocytophilum but not E. canis. The absence of E. canis was surprising given it has been described in all other Mediterranean countries surveyed and raises questions over the regional vector capacity of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick.

Primary School Teachers’ Life Satisfaction: The Role of Life Goals, Basic Psychological Needs and Flow at Work

The central aim of the study was to examine the relationship between primary school teachers’ life goals and life satisfaction using the self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan 2000) and the flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi 1975) as a framework. A study was conducted to test whether the relationship between intrinsic life goals and teachers’ life satisfaction is mediated by two serially posited mediators, the satisfaction of each basic psychological need (competence, autonomy and relatedness) and the experience of flow at work. A total of 480 primary school teachers (17 years of work experience on average) from different regions of Croatia participated in the study. The results, obtained by structural equation modeling, showed that only the need for competence and flow at work significantly mediate between intrinsic life goals and life satisfaction (β = .04, p < .001). The needs for autonomy and relatedness were not significant mediators when used as serial mediators. Thus, the study provides evidence that the positive relationship between life goals and life satisfaction is partly due to the increased satisfaction of the need for competence and more frequent flow experience at work. Also, the indirect effect of extrinsic goals on life satisfaction (β = −.024, p < .01) through autonomy and flow work was tested and found to be significant.

Occurrence of aflatoxin M1 in raw cow, goat and sheep milk during spring and autumn in Croatia during 2016

Raw cow, goat and sheep milk samples were collected in different regions of Croatia during spring and autumn 2016. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) concentrations were measured in the following ranges (ng/kg): cow milk 0.93–85.4; goat milk 2.0–18.6; sheep milk 2.27–11.2. AFM1 levels exceeding the European Union maximum residue levels of 50 ng/kg were found in two cow milk samples in spring and 10 cow milk samples in autumn. The probable daily intakes (PDIs) for all three dairy species were from 0.0108 to 0.0165 ng/kg b.w./day and contributing 1.08–1.65% to the proposed provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI; 1 ng/kg b.w./day), indicating low risk exposure for consumers. The mean positive cow milk PDI was 0.15 ng/kg b.w./day, contributing 15.2% to the PMTDI.

Emocionalna iskustva učitelja kao prediktori njihova mentalnoga zdravlja

Učiteljska je profesija emocionalno zahtjevna profesija te učitelji navode kako u svom poslu doživljavaju različite ugodne i neugodne emocije značajnoga intenziteta. Različite emocije koje učitelji doživljavaju u odnosu s profesionalnim aktivnostima mogu utjecati na njihov profesionalni, ali i osobni razvoj. Učestalo se doživljavanje negativnih emocija u svakodnevnom radu u odnosu s učenicima, roditeljima, kolegama i nadređenima, uz doživljaj emocionalne iscrpljenosti (kao važnog aspekta sagorijevanja na poslu) može nepovoljno odraziti na psihološku dobrobit učitelja te povećati zastupljenost i psihopatoloških simptoma. U ovom je istraživanju ispitana uloga različitih emocija koje učitelji mogu doživjeti u odnosu s učenicima u razredu, roditeljima i obrazovnim sustavom, kao i doživljaj emocionalne iscrpljenosti u objašnjenju zastupljenosti anksioznih, depresivnih i somatizacijskih simptoma kod učitelja. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 1149 osnovnoškolskih učitelja predmetne nastave iz različitih hrvatskih regija. Ukupno je sudjelovalo 210 učitelja i 939 učiteljica u dobi između 24 i 65 godina. S obzirom su na rodne razlike u zastupljenosti pojedinih psihopatoloških simptoma provedene zasebne analize na poduzorcima učitelja i učiteljica. Provedbom je hijerarhijskih regresijskih analiza utvrđeno da, uz kontrolu duljine radnog staža (koja značajno doprinosi objašnjenju simptoma somatizacije kod učiteljica), određene emocije (zasićenost, ljubav, ljutnja i beznađe doživljene u odnosu s učenicima; anksioznost doživljena u odnosu s roditeljima, te doživljaj razočaranosti u obrazovni sustav), kao i doživljaj emocionalne iscrpljenosti ostvaruju značajne samostalne doprinose objašnjenju anksioznih, depresivnih i somatizacijskih simptoma učitelja. Dobiveni rezultati upućuju na to da objašnjenju psihopatoloških simptoma učitelja i učiteljica u najvećoj mjeri pridonosi doživljaj emocionalne iscrpljenosti kao posljedica svakodnevnog pritiska na poslu.

Association between dietary offerings and nutritional status of adolescents as a factor of geographic region

An analysis was performed of 14-day menu rotations in nine student dormitories in two different regions in Croatia – Coastal and Continental – during two seasons. Subjects were adolescents aged 15–22 years (n=978); the anthropometric measured outcomes were body mass index, body fat and waist-hip ratio. In the Coastal region, vegetable and fruit groups were present in the menus in significantly greater proportions as characteristic elements of the Mediterranean diet. Since diet reflects nutritional status, significant differences were established depending on regional affiliation. In both regions, calories and the share of macronutrients in the menus exceeded international standards for a healthy diet. Almost 17% of male students and 13% of female students were overweight or obese. Body weight was significantly lower for female students in the Coastal region, though BMI was not significantly different between the genders in the two regions. However, the percentage of body fat and WHR revealed that the share of the overweight adolescent population is lower in the Coastal region in comparison to the Continental region (8.3% vs. 11.1%), which might be the result of higher energy and fat levels offered on the menu at dormitories. The data set of nutritional vs. anthropometric values confirmed that regional affiliation is an important factor in the diet quality and the nutritional status of adolescents.

Sensing nostalgia through traditional food: an insight from Croatia

Purpose– Due to the growing trend of consuming healthy food, which reproduces the ideal of the food the authors tried in their childhood, an increasing number of researchers have brought together the values of tradition, nostalgia and food. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between food and nostalgia in order to find out in which way they affect each other.Design/methodology/approach– In order to explore the perspectives of traditional food in re-collecting and re-experiencing positive past experiences, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in two stages. First, focus group interviews were conducted with ten restaurant chefs in three different regions of Croatia. Then, a survey was carried out with 362 Croatian consumers.Findings– Focus group results show that although traditional food creates new opportunities for differentiation, finding the right ingredients and time for cooking traditional food is still a problem. There is a low interest in traditional food in restaurants, as domestic patrons mostly worry about the high prices, while foreign ones do not know anything about such foods due to the inadequate promotion of Croatian gastronomic offer. Survey results indicate that consumers are familiar with traditional Croatian food, eat it regularly at home and consider it as food with high-quality aspects that reminds them of their childhood and positive past experiences.Practical implications– The results presented in this paper give some directions for subjects involved in the manufacturing industry, tourism, the restaurant industry, etc. to devise ways of reminding their customers of childhood memories, family ties, etc.Originality/value– A relatively small number of food-centred studies are directly concerned with nostalgia. Many more studies investigate food in social changes, related to ethnic elements, etc. Considering an extensive literature review, and the analysis of data in the qualitative and quantitative study, this paper addresses two multidimensional and complex concepts which are powerful predictors of customer satisfaction.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in human milk samples from two regions in Croatia

We analyzed 20 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in milk samples collected during 2009–2011 from primiparae living in two different regions in Croatia. p,p′-DDE is the dominant organochlorine pesticide. α-HCH/γ-HCH and p,p′-DDE/p,p′-DDT ratios indicate that there is fresh input of γ-HCH in investigated population on both locations, while this is not applicable to p,p′-DDT. The PCB profile was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners. Non-ortho PCB congeners which have the highest TEF values were not detected in any of individual samples. Toxic equivalents for mono-ortho substituted PCB congeners indicated higher exposure to toxic PCBs in Zadar, but estimated daily intakes for both locations indicate that infants consuming mother's milk are not at risk of adverse effects caused by PCBs and OCPs. Our study builds on the previous research of human milk samples collected in Zagreb and reveals that over 10-year period, levels of investigated organochlorine compounds decreased significantly.

Demonstration of Usutu Virus Antibodies in Horses, Croatia

We report the first serological evidence of Usutu virus (USUV) infection in horses in Croatia. During 2011, 1380 horse serum samples from healthy animals were collected from six northern Croatian counties. All samples were first screened for West Nile virus (WNV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sixty-nine WNV ELISA-reactive samples were further tested for WNV antibodies by a virus neutralization assay (VN assay) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), and USUV by a VN assay and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies by PRNT. During the same period, 306 human serum samples from patients coming for routine testing with no symptoms of acute febrile disease were tested for USUV IgG using ELISA. Reactive samples were tested for both USUV and WNV using a VN assay. USUV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected in two of 69 WNV ELISA-reactive horse serum samples. Seropositive animals were found in two different regions of Croatia. One additional sample showed specific WNV-neutralizing antibodies that cross-neutralized USUV. Only one human sample (0.3%) was reactive to USUV antibodies in an ELISA test. In a confirmatory test, WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected, indicating cross-reactive antibodies with USUV in ELISA. The exposure to USUV was documented in two WNV ELISA-reactive horses at distant locations. These results indicate the presence of USUV in northern Croatia.

The Natural Occurrence of T-2 Toxin and Fumonisins in Maize Samples in Croatia

Maize (Zea mays) considered to be one of the most frequent crops in Croatia, is often contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible contamination of maize with T-2 toxin and fumonisins on 46 samples from different regions of Croatia. The highest concentrations of T-2 toxin and fumonisins were 210 and 25,200 ng/g, with mean values of 110 and 4,509 ng/g, respectively, pointing to maize contamination with these mycotoxins after the period of the year with extremely high rainfall.

Prevalence ofCoxiella burnetiiAntibodies Among Febrile Patients in Croatia, 2008–2010

Despite the widespread distribution of Q fever, the prevalence in humans is not accurately known, because many infected people seroconvert without symptoms or with a mild febrile disease. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever in different regions of Croatia. During a 2-year period (2008-2010), serum samples from 552 febrile patients with prolonged cough aged 1-88 were tested for the presence of Coxiella burnetii antibodies by using indirect immunofluorescent assay. Sera from 27.5% patients showed IgG antibodies. Serological evidence of C. burnetii infection was found in patients from all parts of Croatia. Seroprevalence rates significantly differed among regions from 21.5% to 41.2% (p=0.001). Men were more often seropositive (31.6%) than women (22.2%; p=0.016). According to age, a progressive increase in the IgG seropositivity rates was observed as ranging from 6.7% in children less than 10 years of age to 39.2% in patients aged 40-49 (p=0.001). Above the age of 50, the IgG seroprevalence remained stable. Patients from rural areas were more often seropositive than patients from urban areas (40.8% vs. 19%), p<0.001). Acute Q fever was confirmed in 5.8% of patients. Cases occurred throughout the year. A majority of cases were reported during summer months.