Q fever

Abstract

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the ubiquitous pathogen Coxiella burnetii responsible for acute and chronic clinical manifestations. Farm animals and pets are the main reservoirs of infection, and transmission to human beings is mainly accomplished through inhalation of contaminated aerosols. This illness is associated with a wide clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic seroconversion to fatal disease. In humans Q fever can manifest as an acute disease (mainly as a self-limited febrile illness, pneumonia, or hepatitis) or as a chronic disease (mainly endocarditis), especially in patients with previous valvulopathy and to a lesser extent in immunocompromised hosts and in pregnant women. In contrast in animals, Q fever is in most cases, strikingly asymptomatic. The definite diagnosis of Q fever is made based on a significant increase in serum antibody titers, the determination of which often requires considerable time, and therefore patients must be monitored for a certain period. The treatment is effective and well tolerated, but must be adapted to the acute or chronic pattern with the tetracyclines to be considered the mainstay of antibiotic therapy. Several actions have been proposed to prevent and reduce the animal and environmental contamination. Vaccination of animals in infected flocks, as well as in uninfected ones close to them, with an efficient vaccine can prevent abortions and shedding of the bacteria.

Seroprevalence of Q fever in farm animals in Saudi Arabia

“…The organism has been reported from all parts of the world, with the exception of the Antarctic region [2]. In nature, C. burnetii circulates between ticks and small wild mammals [3]. In humans and domestic animals, the infection is usually aero-genic, but could also be acquired by ingestion and other routes.…”

First genetic evidence of Coxiella burnetii in cases presenting with acute febrile illness, India

“…Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis that is caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium [1]. Infected domestic animals, particularly sheep, goats and cattle are the main sources of infection to humans [2].…”

Q Fever in French Guiana

“…1 The main global reservoirs of infection are farm animals and, sometimes, pets. 2 Humans are mainly infected through inhaling contaminated aerosols. 2 Q fever was first described in 1935 in Australia, 3 and it was later reported to be present nearly worldwide.…”

“…2 Humans are mainly infected through inhaling contaminated aerosols. 2 Q fever was first described in 1935 in Australia, 3 and it was later reported to be present nearly worldwide. 2 It can be a public health threat, especially when persons are in close contact with domestic animals, cattle, sheep, or goats.…”

“…2 Q fever was first described in 1935 in Australia, 3 and it was later reported to be present nearly worldwide. 2 It can be a public health threat, especially when persons are in close contact with domestic animals, cattle, sheep, or goats. The potential impact of Q fever on public health was recently demonstrated by an important outbreak in the Netherlands.…”