Medical Centric

Q FEVER

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

Q FEVER

Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetti.

  • The bacteria that causes Q fever is uncommon but may be found in sheep, goats, and cattle, and other domestic mammals, including dogs, rabbits, and cats around the world.
  • Q fever may be mild or severe.
  • In mild cases, the disease may resolve on its own without any treatment.
  • A severe form of Q fever may occur if the condition persists for 6 months (chronic), or if the condition resurfaces years later. This occurs in a small percentage of people and can damage a person’s vital organs, including the heart, brain, liver, and lungs.
  • The most common and serious complication of Q fever is a heart condition called bacterial endocarditis, the inflammation of the endocardium ( the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves). If left untreated, it may be fatal.
  • Other less common serious complications are pneumonia, pregnancy problems such as miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth, hepatitis, or meningitis.
  • Some studies have shown men to be more affected than women

CAUSES

The disease is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetti. The animals transmit the bacteria in urine, milk, feces, and fluids from giving birth- such as placenta and amniotic fluid. When these substances dry inside a barnyard, the bacteria in them become part of the dust that floats in the air. Humans then get infected when they breathe in the contaminated air.

Risk factors may include:

People at highest risks include farmers, veterinary personnel, sheep shearers, stockyard workers, animal transporters, tannery (hide) workers, animal researchers.

Sex, men are more prone

Living close to a farm

Risk factors for developing severe form includes:

  • a weakened immune system
  • impaired kidney function
  • blood vessel abnormalities
  • heart valve disease

SYMPTOMS

Many people never show symptoms. If symptoms exist, they will appear probably between 3 and 30 days after exposure to the bacteria. They may include:

  • high fever
  • diarrhea
  • sensitivity to light
  • a cough
  • nausea
  • chills
  • a severe headache
  • fatigue

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will carry out lab tests and imaging tests, such as:

  • Blood tests to check for antibodies against the Coxiella burnetti that causes the condition, and for evidence of liver damage.
  • Imaging tests such as a chest X-ray to see the condition of the lungs. Q fever is responsible for pneumonia in some people.
  • Echocardiography to check for problems with the heart valves.
TREATMENT

Treatment option include antibiotic doxycycline.  How long the medicine is taken depends on whether you have mild or severe Q fever.

For mild form,  the condition may resolve on its own

Antibiotic treatment may also be taken. It lasts two to three weeks.

People with a severe case must take a combination of antibiotics for at least 18 months.

People with endocarditis may need surgery to replace damaged heart valves.