What is Q fever? A rare communicable disease
Q fever, also known as query fever is a bacterial infection caused by bacterium named Coxiella burnetti, that produces flu-like symptoms in the body.
Q fever is a rare disease as the organism responsible for it is less common. The infection spreads from cattle, dogs, cats, sheep and goats. They carry these bacteria in their feces, urine, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid, milk. Any direct contact with these can cause infection in humans. The incubation period is about 2-3 weeks. Human-to-human transmission is less or not common.
It is seen in almost all parts of the world except New Zealand.
The bacterium Coxiella burnetti is capable of causing infection into humans and animals. The bacteria spreads through contaminated bird and animal waste and can be inhaled from the dust.
What are the signs and symptoms of Q fever?
The bacteria may enter your body through air-borne transmission or ingestion of contaminated food. It takes almost 2 to 3 weeks for the symptoms to appear. Depending upon the symptoms, Q fever can be acute or chronic.
In most cases, the signs and symptoms are too mild to appear. You may have mild flu-like symptoms but still not know it is Q fever.
The signs and symptoms of Q fever are:
- Common flu-like symptoms such as cold, sore throat, headaches, coughing, runny nose, fever, fatigue.
- Muscle soreness/pain(myalgia)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fever with chills
- Coughing
- Chest pain on inhalation
In some cases, a person may remain asymptomatic or have a sub-clinical infection or present mild symptoms. Many people do not have fever or gastric complains.
The symptoms of acute Q fever are noticeable and can be managed promptly with antibiotics, whereas in chronic cases, the symptoms take long to appear and they may be more severe associated to pneumonia and other gastric conditions. It may cause complications to the heart, kidney and liver if the infection is chronic and severe.
What is the cause of Q fever?
Let us understand the main cause. The main cause or causative agent of Q fever is a bacterium called Coxiella burnetti.
Where is the bacteria Coxiella Burnetti found?
The bacteria is found in the waste excreted by the animals such as in:
- Feces of the animals
- Urine
- Saliva
- Birth remnants such as placenta, amniotic fluid or blood
- Semen and vaginal secretions
What is the mode of transmission of Q fever?
The bacteria is either inhaled or ingested via the contaminated food and air. It spreads through airborne transmission and direct contact with the contaminated things.
The bacteria is seen in the feces, urine, saliva, vaginal secretions and other body fluids of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, cats, etc.
Farmers who live surrounded with animals are at more risk. Human to human transmission of Q fever is not seen.
When you come in contact with the animal waste and then without washing your hands with soap, if you consume food with same hands, you are probably letting the bacteria enter your gut and infect you.
Who is at risk for Q fever?
The following people are at risk for getting Q fever:
- Farmers
- Veterenarians
- People working in slaughter house
- People engaged in animal husbandry and livestock
- People who are taking care of pets
- People with pre-existing diseases such as heart valve disorders, circulatory diseases, renal problems, liver problems, etc.
- Pregnant ladies
- People who consume raw milk (without pasteurizing)
- People who have weakened immune system
What are the complications of Q fever?
The acute infection may rarely cause complications. However the chronic cases may be at risk of the following rare complications:
- Infective endocarditis(inflammation of the endocardial or innermost lining of the heart) bacterial vegetations start growing on the valves of the heart and wall.
- Liver inflammation or hepatitis. People with severe Q fever may develop jaundice as a symptom along with abdominal pain.
- Vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels
- Renal complications
- Pneumonia or pneumonitis
- Damage to the brain
How is Q fever diagnosed?
Q fever can be diagnosed by physical assessment of symptoms, history of occupation, blood tests and culture tests. PCR test confirms the diagnosis of Q fever by detecting the antibodies specific to the infection in our body.
Chest X-ray may be ordered if a person develops pneumonia with Q fever. A person may also be recommended an echocardiography to rule out any valvular disorders of heart.
What is the treatment of Q fever?
Q fever can be treated with oral antibiotics. Rest and plenty of water may help you recover fast from the infection.
What is the prevention of Q fever?
If you know you are in a locality where Q fever cases have been reported or you are at risk for it, you can follow the below preventive measures:
- Practising strict handwashing whenever you care for your cattle and pets.
- If you run an animal husbandry, you need to sanitise it regularly to prevent your animals from getting infected.
- Always wash the raw foods before cooking.
- Disinfect the surroundings and objects you use for animal care.
- Always consume pasteurised milk.
- Wash the raw foods before cooking
- Disinfect all the after-birth products of animals as soon as possible and then dispose them safely.
- Wash hands before and after touching an infected animal or pet.
- If your cattle is sick, make sure you quarantine them and start treatment.
- Do not dispose the animal waste of infected animals without disinfecting. Always wear gloves while you do so.
- Put on a face mask while caring for a sick or infected animal.
- If you live in Australia, get a vaccine shot for Q fever. Unfortunately it is not available in the rest of the countries of world.
Q fever is a rare disease caused by Coxiella burnetti, a bacterium. It produces mild to severe symptoms, though most cases remain asymptomatic.
Note: This is an educational and informational blog post. It is not a substitute for any medical advice or consultation. Seek your doctor's help in any case.
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