Q fever

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Q fever is a rickettsial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Veterinarians and others who work with pregnant cattle, sheep and goats are the majority at risk for exposure to Coxiella burnetii. Although it is hard to resolve how many cases of Q fever occur every year, it is believed that the disease is under-reported. Sheep, goats and cattle are the major source of Q fever. It is extend from contact with excretions such as milk, urine, feces and the afterbirth of infected animals. Often the bacterium can exist for extensive periods of time in soil and dust.

It's most human infections are thought to be caused by the inhalation of impure barnyard dust. Most acute cases of Q fever begin with unexpected onset of one or more of the following: high fevers, severe headache, general malaise, chest pain, etc. Fever regularly lasts for one to two weeks. Weight loss can occur and persevere for some time. Thirty to 50 percent of patients with symptomatic infections will expand pneumonia. Only about half of those who are impure with the bacteria show clinical signs of the disease.

Chronic illness such as endocarditis can occur after acute sickness or in cases where infection does not cause an acute illness. Most patients become ill two to three weeks following revelation. Chronic disease can develop up to two years after preliminary infection. Direct, person-to-person infection occurs infrequently, if ever. Laboratory diagnosis is skillful through the identification of specific antibodies to Coxiella burnetii. Doxycycline is the treatment of option for Q fever and should be administered for 15-21 days. Treatment of chronic infections like endocarditis need longer courses of antibiotic therapy.

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