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Q fever is transmitted to humans by animals, most commonly sheep, goats and cattle. When you inhale barnyard dust particles contaminated by infected animals, you may become infected. High-risk occupations include farmers, veterinarians and people who work with sheep in research labs.
The mild form of Q fever typically clears up within a few weeks with no treatment. But if Q fever recurs, you may need to take a combination of antibiotics for at least 18 months.
SYMPTOMS
Many people infected with Q fever never show symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you'll notice them about two to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Signs and symptoms may include:
High fever, up to 105 F (40.5 C)Severe headacheFatigue CoughNauseaDiarrhea
CAUSES
Q fever is caused by a type of bacteria called Coxiella burnetii, most commonly found in sheep, goats and cattle. It also can infect pets, such as cats, dogs and rabbits.
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Certain factors can increase your risk of being infected with Q fever bacteria, including:
Occupation. Certain occupations place you at higher risk because you're exposed to animals and animal products as part of your job. At-risk occupations include veterinary medicine, meat processing, livestock farming and animal research.Location. Simply being near a farm or farming facility may put you at higher risk of Q fever, because the bacteria can travel long distances,
accompanying dust particles in the air.Your sex. Men are more likely to develop symptomatic acute Q fever.
Risks for chronic Q fever
The risk of eventually developing the more deadly form of Q fever is increased in people who have:
Heart valve diseaseBlood vessel abnormalitiesWeakened immune systems
COMPLICATIONS
A Q fever recurrence can affect your heart, liver, lungs and brain, giving rise to serious complications, such as:
Endocarditis. An inflammation of the membrane surrounding your heart, endocarditis can severely damage your heart valves. Endocarditis is the most common and the most deadly of Q fever's complications.Lung issues. Some people who have Q fever develop pneumonia. This can lead to acute respiratory distress, a medical emergency in which you're not getting enough oxygen.Pregnancy problems. Chronic Q fever increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirth.Liver damage. Some people who have Q fever develop hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that interferes with its function.Meningitis. Q fever also can cause meningitis, an inflammation of the membrane surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
DIAGNOSIS
To diagnose Q fever, your doctor will perform one or more blood tests, along with additional tests if chronic Q fever is suspected.
Lab tests
Your doctor may want to check your blood for antibodies to the Coxiella burnetii antigen and for evidence of liver damage.
Imaging tests
Chest X-ray. Q fever can cause pneumonia in some people. A chest X-ray can be used to see if your lungs look healthy.Echocardiography. If chronic Q fever is suspected, your doctor may do an echocardiogram to check for problems with your heart valves.
TREATMENT
Treatment for Q fever depends on the severity of your symptoms. Mild or nonsymptomatic cases of acute Q fever often get better in about two weeks with no treatment.
Medications
If you have more severe symptoms, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. People who have chronic Q fever usually must take a combination of antibiotics for at least 18 months. Even after successful chronic Q fever treatment, you'll need to go back for follow-up tests for years in case the infection returns.
Surgery
If you have Q fever endocarditis, you may need surgery to replace damaged heart valves.
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