About Q Fever (Query Fever)
Q Fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii.
- The bacterium can infect a wide range of animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and ticks.
- Humans can contract Q fever through direct or indirect exposure to infected animals or their birth products.
- Inhalation of contaminated aerosolized materials from infected animals or ingestion of unpasteurized milk are common modes of transmission.
Non-modifiable risk factors for Q Fever cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: Older adults and elderly individuals may be more susceptible to severe forms of the disease.
- Underlying health conditions: Individuals with valvular heart disease, vascular grafts, or arterial aneurysms are at increased risk of chronic Q fever.
- Immunocompromised status (due to factors like genetic condition, HIV/AIDS, or cancer treatment)
- Chronic kidney disease (as the condition progresses, it becomes non-reversible)
Modifiable risk factors for Q fever can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Occupation: People who work closely with livestock, such as farmers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians, are at higher risk. People can reduce their risk with personal protective measures, such as wearing gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling animals or their products.
- Consuming unpasteurized dairy products: Consuming only pasteurized dairy products reduces the chance of contracting Q fever from contaminated milk.
Common early symptoms of Q fever include:
- Mild flu-like symptoms such as sudden increase in body temperature, restlessness, excessive sweating, severe headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and arthritis
- Upper respiratory tract problems like persistent cough, pleuritic chest pain, and chills
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea
As the disease progresses or becomes more severe, the following symptoms may occur:
- Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS): This is a debilitating condition that can develop after acute Q fever. It involves persistent fatigue and can affect multiple body systems.
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Night sweats
In later stages or with higher severity of Q fever, chronic manifestations can occur, including:
- Endovascular infections: Includes conditions like endocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart valves or inner lining of the heart and infections affecting blood vessels
- Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bones
- Pericardial effusions: Accumulation of fluid around the heart
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of them. If you suspect you have Q fever or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To diagnose Q fever, health care providers commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history and physical exam: The health care provider will look for physical signs of infection, such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, or an enlarged liver or spleen. They may also ask about recent contact with animals or travel to areas where Q fever is common.
- Lab tests: These may include:
- Blood tests: A blood draw to check for specific markers of Q fever, such as antibodies or the bacteria’s DNA.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing: Identifies the bacteria’s genetic material to confirm the infection.
- Imaging studies may be done to check for complications:
- X-rays: Can detect lung infections (pneumonia) or other issues caused by Q fever.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans: Typically, not used unless complications involving other organs are suspected.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Specialized lab tests: More advanced blood tests may be done to measure antibody levels or detect specific markers that indicate the extent or progression of the disease.
- Referral to specialists: In some cases, a referral to specialists such as infectious disease specialists may be necessary for further evaluation and management.
It's important to follow up with your health care provider if your symptoms worsen or change after the initial physical exam. They can recommend appropriate examinations and tests based on your individual situation.
Many people infected with Coxiella burnetii have no symptoms or mild symptoms and do not require specific treatment for recovery.
For people with symptoms, goals of treatment for Q fever are to:
- Eliminate the infection: The primary goal is to eradicate the Coxiella burnetii bacteria causing Q fever. This is achieved through the use of antibiotics such as doxycycline, moxifloxacin, or ciprofloxacin. These medications work by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the bacteria, ultimately clearing the infection.
- Prevent complications: Q fever can lead to complications such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves) or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Adequate treatment with antibiotics helps prevent the development of chronic Q fever and reduces the risk of complications.
- Relieve symptoms: Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and respiratory problems associated with Q fever. Antimicrobial therapy helps in reducing the duration and severity of these symptoms.
- Prophylactic treatment: Patients who meet specific criteria may be given preventive treatment to reduce the risk of infection or complications. This involves taking a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine for an extended period.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.