Q Fever
Q Fever
Q Fever (pronounced: /kjuː 'fiːvər/), also known as query fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The disease was first identified in 1937 in Queensland, Australia, hence the name 'Q' Fever.
Etymology
The term "Q Fever" was coined by the Australian pathologist Edward Holbrook Derrick during the initial investigations into the disease. The 'Q' stands for 'query' as the exact cause of the disease was uncertain at the time.
Symptoms
Q Fever is often asymptomatic, but can cause a severe flu-like illness in some people. Symptoms, when they occur, include high fever, severe headache, general malaise, myalgia, confusion, sore throat, chills, sweats, non-productive cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and chest pain.
Transmission
Q Fever is primarily transmitted to humans through inhalation of aerosols from contaminated soil or animal waste. It can also be transmitted through the ingestion of raw milk or dairy products from infected animals.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Q Fever is usually based on serology, the most common method being Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA).
Treatment
The treatment for Q Fever is usually a course of antibiotics, with Doxycycline being the drug of choice.
Prevention
Prevention of Q Fever involves avoiding contact with animals, especially while they are giving birth, and drinking only pasteurized milk.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Q Fever
- Wikipedia's article - Q Fever
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