Animal disease that may incidentally spread to humans and can affect the lungs, liver, heart or other parts of the body.
It is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is commonly found in cattle, sheep, goats and other domestic mammals. Infected animals spread it through birth products, droppings, milk and urine.
The symptoms start about 20 days after exposure to the bacteria. In its initial stage, these may include dry cough, fever, headache, joint and muscle pain. Other symptoms may include abdominal and chest pain, rash and yellow skin (jaundice). Long-term (chronic) symptoms may manifest as chills, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, prolonged fever and/or shortness of breath. Sometimes the only symptom is prolonged fever that lasts for weeks or months.
Diagnosis is made by reviewing the patient's clinical history, a physical examination and complementary tests such as blood tests to check for antibodies.
The main treatment is based on symptom control and antibiotics administration.
- Didier Raoult, MD, PhD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Q fever. Uptodate. Jun 07, 2016.
- Didier Raoult, MD, PhD. Treatment and prevention of Q fever. Uptodate. Apr 28, 2016.
- Didier Raoult, MD, PhD. Microbiology and epidemiology of Q fever. Uptodate. Mar 22, 2016.
- David H. Walker, J. Stephen Dumler, Thomas Marrie. Rickettsiosis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19º Edición. 1161:1162.
- F. Segura, B. Font. Enfermedades producidas por Rickettsia. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición. 2329:2329.
