Q Fever - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Q Fever

Q Fever Description

Lung infection by primitive bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, which was unidentified for many years. The disease may derive its name from the fact that doctors were constantly questioning (Q) the cause of the fever, or Q may stand for Queensland , where the disease was very common and first researched.

Q Fever Cause

Coxiella burnetti is the responsible Rickettsia. It is a parasite of sheep, cattle and goats, and passes from these animals in the milk and faeces, then droplets and dust containing the bacteria may be inhaled by humans. Farmers, shearers and abattoir workers are at a high risk. It does not spread from one human to another. Incubation period is one to three weeks.

Q Fever Symptom

Often causes very mild, barely noticeable symptoms, but in more severe cases the patient will develop a fever, weakness, headache, muscle pains and dry cough. In advanced cases, jaundice (yellow skin) and stomach pains occur.

Investigation

A specific blood test can diagnose the disease, and a chest X-ray may show lung abnormalities in severe cases.

Q Fever Treatment

Tetrac lines (antibiotic) used to suppress the infection, but it does not always elimi ate the disease completely. Prevented by a vaccination given to those who are at high risk.

Complications

Heart and brain involvement possible.

Prognosis of Q Fever

Treatment not completely satisfactory and relapses are common. Death rare unless heart becomes involved.