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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Q Fever

Q Fever

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

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Alternate Names : Query Fever


Definition

An infection caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which can cause pneumonia and hepatitis (liver inflammation) in its early stages, and infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) if the condition becomes chronic (persisting over time).

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Q fever is found around the world and is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria affects sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, cats, birds, rodents and ticks, as well as some other animals. Infected animals shed this bacteria in urine, feces, birth products and milk.

Humans usually acquire Q fever by inhaling contaminated droplets excreted by infected animals. Consumption of raw milk has also been associated with infection in rare cases. People at highest risk for this infection are veterinarians, farmers, sheep and dairy workers, as well as laboratory workers who work with this organism.

The incubation period (time to development of symptoms) for early (acute) Q fever is approximately 20 days. In acute Q fever, the three main sets of symptoms include flu-like syndrome, pneumonia and hepatitis. Flu-like syndrome is usually self- limited; lasts up to three weeks; and may involve high fevers, headaches and muscle aches.

Pneumonia can occur in up to a third of individuals. Most cases are relatively mild and include fever and cough, yet some severe cases have been reported. Hepatitis is another common consequence of Q Fever, and it can occur alone or with concurrent pneumonia. Other less common features of acute Q fever include rashes, meningitis, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of heart lining).

Chronic Q fever develops in individuals who have been infected for over 6 months without effective treatment. Its main feature is infection of the heart valves termed endocarditis. Individuals at highest risk include those with underlying heart valve abnormalities, as well as people with weakened immune systems. Other less common features of chronic Q fever are infection of aneurysms, liver dysfunction (cirrhosis) and lung scarring (interstitial pulmonary fibrosis).



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Definition
Q Fever Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Q Fever Symptoms & Signs
Q Fever Prevention
Q Fever Diagnosis & Tests
Q Fever Treatment
Q Fever Prognosis
Q Fever Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Encephalitis
Endocarditis
Hepatitis
Meningitis
Myocarditis
Pericarditis
Pneumonia

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Fever
Headache
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Review Date : 8/7/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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