Q fever overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Q fever is caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii. This organism is uncommon but may be found in cattle, sheep, goats and other domestic mammals, including cats and dogs. The infection results from inhalation of contaminated particles in the air, and from contact with the vaginal mucus, milk, feces, urine or semen of infected animals. The incubation time is 9-40 days. It is considered possibly the most infectious disease in the world, as a human being can be infected by a single bacterium [1].
Causes
Q fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which lives in domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, birds, and cats. Some wild animals and ticks also carry the bacteria. One can get Q fever by drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk, or after inhaling dust or droplets in the air that are contaminated with animal feces, blood, or birth products.
Physical Examination
A physical examination may reveal crackles in the lungs or an enlarged liver and spleen. In the late stages of the disease, a heart murmur may be heard.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment of the acute Q fever withDoxycycline is very effective and should take place in consultation with an infectious diseases specialist. The chronic form is more difficult to treat and can require up to two years of treatment with doxycycline and Hydroxychloroquine. Q fever in pregnancy is especially difficult to treat because doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnancy and so preferred treatment is Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole.