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[Q fever, a zoonosis often overlooked]

J Delaloye1, G Greub

  • 1Service des maladies infectieuses, Departement de medecine, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.

Revue Medicale Suisse
|May 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, typically presents as a mild flu-like illness, hepatitis, or pneumonia. High-risk individuals may develop chronic Q fever, often presenting as endocarditis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Public Health

Context:

  • Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii.
  • Animals serve as the primary reservoir, with human transmission occurring mainly through inhalation of contaminated aerosols.
  • While acute Q fever is often self-limiting, certain populations are at risk for chronic infection.

Purpose:

  • To describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and risk factors associated with Q fever.
  • To highlight the potential for chronic Q fever, particularly endocarditis, in at-risk populations.

Summary:

  • Coxiella burnetii infection (Q fever) manifests acutely as flu-like illness, granulomatous hepatitis, or atypical pneumonia.
  • Chronic Q fever complications, including endocarditis, are significant concerns for individuals with valvular heart disease, vascular prostheses, compromised immune systems, or during pregnancy.

Impact:

  • Understanding Q fever's diverse presentations and risk factors is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
  • This knowledge aids in preventing severe outcomes and managing chronic infections in vulnerable patient groups.

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