Q fever, or Derrick-Burnet Disease, is a bacterial infection caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Coxiella burnetii. This bacterium is most commonly found in bovine, ovine and caprine animals worldwide. People can get infected with this bacteria when they breathe contaminated dust or consume contaminated food.
Farmers, veterinarians and people who come into contact with animals more often have the highest risk of contamination with Coxiella burnetii. The largest number of bacteria is found in the placenta or amniotic fluid of infected animals.
Coxiella burnetii is very resistant to environmental factors, such as high temperature, osmotic pressure and ultraviolet light, but can withstand many standard disinfectants.
The disease can cause mild symptoms, similar to flu, with some people not experiencing any symptoms of Q fever whatsoever. The mild symptoms of the disease may disappear within a few days, not requiring treatment.
There are also rare cases of a more severe form of Q fever, if it becomes chronic, that is, persisting for six months or more. A more severe form of the disease can also occur if the Q fever recurs.
People with heart problems or weak immune systems have the greatest risk of Q fever worsening. This condition is very serious because it can affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, brain and lungs.
More severe or chronic forms of Q fever can be treated with antibiotics. Those at high risk of Q fever can prevent the disease by disinfecting contaminated areas and rigorously washing hands.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Q Fever can vary significantly from person to person. The more frequent symptoms include:
- High fever;
- Chills and sweats;
- Cough;
- Chest pain;
- Headaches;
- Diarrhea;
- Nausea;
- Abdominal pain;
- Muscle and joint pain;
Causes
Q fever is caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria. These bacteria are usually present in cattle, sheep and goats. Animals transmit the bacteria by contacting:
- Urine;
- Feces;
- Milk;
- Amniotic fluid;
- Placenta.
These biological products contaminate the environment, infecting people through dust particles. The bacteria can not be spread from one person to another.
In some cases, consumption of unpasteurized milk can cause an infection. The exact frequency of Q fever is not known because most cases are not reported.
Diagnosis
It is difficult for a doctor to diagnose Q fever solely on the basis of symptoms. The doctor may suspect Q fever if the affected person has flu-like symptoms lives in an environment where there are bovine, ovine or caprine.
Q fever is diagnosed through blood tests. These tests, however, can give a negative result within the first 10 days of infection. This makes it difficult to diagnose quickly, and makes your doctor’s decision harder – whether to prescribe a treatment or not based solely on the suspicions created by the signs and symptoms present.
If your doctor suspects a chronic infection, he may recommend a chest X-ray and other tests to examine the lungs and heart.
Treatment
Q fever treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Mild infection
People who experience a mild form of Q fever usually do not need treatment because they treat themselves within a few weeks.
Severe infection
In the case of severe infections, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Doxycycline is the most preferred treatment choice for adults and children with Q fever. The standard duration of treatment is two to three weeks.
Symptoms, including fever, should disappear within 72 hours of antibiotic administration. The failure of doxycycline therapy may suggest that the disease is not fever Q.
Antibiotics are usually very effective, and death from this disease occurs very rarely. Endocarditis patients need an early diagnosis and antibiotics over a period of at least 18 months for a favorable result.
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