Smileband health topics

Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The organism is very hardy and is resistant to heat, drying, and many disinfectants, so it is able to survive in the environment for long periods. Q fever can result in acute or chronic illness. Symptoms vary greatly between individuals, and about half of the people with Q fever will not show any symptoms. Acute cases of Q fever begin with a sudden onset of one or more of the following:

• high fevers (up to 104°-105°F)
• severe headache
• general discomfort and fatigue
• muscle pain, confusion
• sore throat
• chills, sweats
• dry cough
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• chest pain.

Fever usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. Chronic Q fever may result in less than 5% of acutely infected patients, presenting within six weeks of acute infection, up to many years later.

 

Those at highest risk for chronic Q fever are pregnant women, immunosuppressed persons, and patients with pre-existing heart valve defects. Endocarditis is the most common manifestation of chronic Q fever.

 

Over the last 5 years, there have been approximately 8 cases of Q fever reported yearly.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 7 cases

 

Transmission
People usually become infected with Q fever through inhalation of dust contaminated with dried placental material, birth fluids, and excreta of infected herd animals. Other modes of transmission, such as tick bites and human-to-human transmission, are very rare. Consumption of raw or unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals is another method of exposure.

Incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
IgG/IgM Serology (The convalescent specimen should be taken 2-4 weeks after the acute)	Serum (acute and convalescent)
PCR	Serum