[Q fever in Gran Canaria: 40 new cases].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiologic features of Q fever in the southern area of the island of Gran Canaria (Spain).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical and epidemiological data of the cases of Q fever diagnosed by the Microbiology Laboratory of the Hospital Universitario Insular in Gran Canaria between 1998 and 2000. Antibodies against phase II Coxiella burnetii antigens were detected using an indirect immunofluorescence test.