[Q fever - an occupational disease leading to disability - case report]

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The infection results from inhalation of infected droplets or aerosols. The most frequent sources in the Czech Republic are sheep, horses, cattles, goats, and pigs. Frequently, the disease is deemed occupational, with male sex being a risk factor for its symptomatic form. Presented is a case of a 27-year-old male diagnosed with a chronic form of Q fever after six months of worsening symptoms. Even years later, his condition is manifested as osteoarthritis, granulomatous hepatitis, and microcytic hypochromic anemia. The source of infection was probably animal food stored in a facility where the patient was employed. He was recognized as having an occupational disease and being disabled, especially due to his severely impaired mobility.