Q-fever, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Q fever is a self limited infection caused by Coxiella burneti bacteria that can affect the lungs, heart, liver and other parts of the body. The bacteria Coxiella burnetii is the cause of Q-fever. The bacterium is resistant to desiccation and exposure in dust and soil and is found all the world. Sheep, dogs, cats, goats, cattle, birds, rodents, and ticks as well as some other animals are all infected by the bacterium.
This bacterium is shed by the infected animal in:a. Fecesb. Milkc. UrineHumans usually become infected with Q fever by breathing in infected droplets released by infected animals. The presence of airborne bacteria may affect humans and animalsSecondary airborne bacteria from hides, bedding, clothing can also infect humans and animals. Lung diseases such as pneumonitis and psittacosis occurs. Besides the history of exposure of animals, diagnosis is also based on blood tests showing serological evidence of antibodies of Coxiella burnetii.60% cases of x-ray show evidence of pneumonitis with slight cough.
Antibiotics are the main treatment for Q fever. For early-stage (acute) Q fever, doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic. Other antibiotics are Tetracyclines 2-3 g per dayThe treatment is given for at least 5 days after cessation of fever. Chronic Q fever is present if you have the infection for more than 6 months. Both doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine are used in combination by the doctor if necessary.
The antibiotics may have to be taken for several months or years. The danger of Q-fever is the very infective inhalational disease which can be used in bioterrorism. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Q-FeverChapter 2 CausesChapter 3 SymptomsChapter 4 DiagnosisChapter 5 TreatmentChapter 6 PrognosisChapter 7 AnthraxChapter 8 Gas GangreneEpilogue