Q Fever | Bacterial Infection | Query Fever

 

Q fever is generally a bacterial infection which is caused by the bacteria called Coxiella burnetii. Usually, these bacterias largely found in cattle, sheep, and goats all around the world. Humans can get the Q fever when they breathe in dust which was contaminated by infected animals. And the letter “Q” in Q fever stands for Query which is called Query Fever.

People like farmers, veterinarians and people who work with these animals in the lab are at the greatest risk of getting infection. Large amounts of bacteria are found in the birth products like placenta, amniotic fluid, etc,.. of infected animals.

This disease will cause mild symptoms which are more similar to the flu. But most of the people with these infections have no symptoms at all. Mild forms of q fever will clear up in a few weeks without any treatment.

In some rare cases, a serious form of disease develops if the infection is chronic which means it continues for 6 months but in some cases indicating that it may continue for more than 6 months. A more serious form of disease also develops if the infection is recurrent, it means it comes back. People who have heart valve problems or low immune levels are at the greatest risk of having Q fever.

Chronic Q fever is very serious because it damages the person’s important organs which includes:

• heart

• liver

• brain

• lungs

Usually, chronic forms of Q fever can be treated with antibiotics. People who are at risk for Q fever can prevent the infection by disinfecting the contaminated areas and always washing their hands frequently.

Symptoms of Q fever

Usually, symptoms of Q fever do not appear until 2 to 3 weeks after the exposure of bacteria.

It is possible that you will catch the infection and not show any symptoms. If symptoms appear, they are mild.

But the symptoms can vary from one person to another person. Some of the common symptoms of mild Q fever are:

• a high fever

• chills or sweats

• a cough

• chest pain while breathing

• a headache

• clay-coloured stools

• diarrhea

• nausea

• abdominal pain

• jaundice

• muscle pain

• shortness of breath

At some point, rash is also a symptom but it is not common.

Causes of Q fever

Q fever is usually caused by a bacterial infection which is caused by the bacteria called Coxiella burnetii. Usually, bacteria are found in places like cattle, sheep, and goats. Usually, these animals transmit the bacteria through:

• urine

• feces

• milk

• fluids from giving birth

The above bacterial substances can dry inside the yards where contaminated dust mixed in the air. Humans can catch the Q fever infection when they breathe dust particles in the contaminated air.

In some rare cases, drinking unpasteurized milk also causes the infection of Q fever. Typically, bacteria cannot spread from one person to another person. 

Who is at risk for Q fever?

Usually, bacteria infect the cattle, sheep, and goats and people who are at greatest risk for infection which includes:

• farmers

• veterinarians

• people who work with sheep or around the places of sheep

• people who work in:

• the dairy industry

• meat processes

• research labs with livestock

• research labs with bacteria called C. burnetii

• people who live on or close to a farms surrounded with animals

Diagnosis

Your healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and medical history and also take a blood sample to diagnose the Q Fever. They also ask about your living places if you live or work around animals.

But test results for C. burnetii bacteria will take several weeks. If your healthcare provider suspects that you have Q fever, they may decide to treat you before the results come.

To test for Q fever, your provider will take a blood sample with a small needle. Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory to identify the signs of an infection with C. burnetii bacteria to test for antibodies. They try to grow bacteria from your sample for culture tests.

At some point, you need to provide multiple samples over the period of time to get a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment

Generally, treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms.

Mild infection

Usually, mild forms of Q fever will resolve within a few weeks without any treatment.

More severe infection

Your provider will prescribe antibiotic drugs. Doxycycline is one of the antibiotic choices for all adults and children with severe form of Q fever. You should be taking it immediately if Q fever is the cause of your illness even before you get the lab results.

Usually, treatments can take 2 to 3 weeks of duration. The symptoms including fever should go away within 72 hours. If your illness is not responding to doxycycline, they may suggest that illness is not Q fever.

Chronic infection

Typically, antibiotics are given for almost 18 to 24 months if you are infected with chronic Q fever.

Reduce my risk of Q fever

Some ways that help you to reduce your risk of Q fever which includes:

• You must wear a mask and gloves whenever you handle animal fluids, particularly birth products.

• You do not drink or eat any unpasteurized dairy products.

• Some research studies suggest that testing and treating heart problems will prevent the severe form of chronic Q fever in people who are diagnosed with Q fever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What does Q fever do to humans?

Ans: People with chronic Q fever often develop an infection of one or more heart valves (called endocarditis). 

Q2. What is the best treatment for Q fever?

Ans: Treatment with 2 weeks of doxycycline antibiotic is recommended.

Q3. What is Q fever in India?

Ans: Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii.

Q4. How is Q fever diagnosed?

Ans: During the acute phase of illness, a sample of whole blood (or serum at some laboratories) can be tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Q5. Who is at high risk for Q fever?

Ans: People who live or spend time near ranches and livestock facilities are at increased risk for Q fever infection.