Exposure to Coxiella burnetii and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a retrospective population-based analysis in the Netherlands

Publication date: Available online 9 April 2018 Source:The Lancet Haematology Author(s): Sonja E van Roeden, Fedor van Houwelingen, Chiel M J Donkers, Sander J Hogewoning, Marit M A de Lange, Wim van der Hoek, Linda M Kampschreur, Marc J M Bonten, Andy I M Hoepelman, Chantal P Bleeker-Rovers, Peter C Wever, Jan Jelrik Oosterheert Background An association between Coxiella burnetii and non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been suggested. After a large Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands (2007–10), we postulated that the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma would be increased during and after the epidemic in areas with a high endemicity of Q fever compared with those with low endemicity. Methods We did a retrospective population-based analysis and calculated relative risks (RRs) of non-Hodgkin lymphoma during 1-year periods before, during, and after the Q fever epidemic, for areas with intermediate and high endemicity of Q fever compared with low endemic areas. We also calculated the RR of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in people with chronic Q fever compared with the general population. Findings Between Jan 1, 2002, and Dec 31, 2013, 48 760 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma ranged from 21·4 per 100 000 per year in 2002 to 26·7 per 100 000 per year in 2010. A significant association with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was noted in 2009 for areas with a high endemicity of Q fever compared with low endemic areas (RR 1·16, 95% CI 1·02–1...
Source: The Lancet Haematology - Category: Hematology Source Type: research