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Q fever

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Temperature measurement
Temperature measurement

Alternative Names    Return to top

Query fever

Definition    Return to top

Q fever is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs, liver, heart, and other parts of the body.

Causes    Return to top

Q fever is found around the world and is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. The bacteria affects sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, cats, birds, rodents, and ticks, as well as some other animals. Infected animals shed this bacteria in:

Humans usually get Q fever by breathing in contaminated droplets released by infected animals. Drinking raw milk has also caused infection in rare cases. People at highest risk for this infection are:

Chronic Q fever develops in people who have been infected for more than 6 months without effective treatment.

People at highest risk include those with heart valve problems or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms    Return to top

It usually takes about 20 days after exposure to the bacteria for symptoms to occur. Most cases are mild, yet some severe cases have been reported.

Symptoms of acute Q fever may include:

Symptoms of chronic Q fever may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will suspect Q fever in people who have been exposed to the Coxiella burnetii bacteria who develop:

Q fever is diagnosed with a blood antibody test (serology).

Treatment    Return to top

The main treatment for Q fever is with antibiotics. For early-stage (acute) Q fever, doxycycline is the recommended antibiotic.

For chronic Q fever, a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is often used. You may need to take antibiotics for several months.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook for people who get treated in the early stages of Q fever is generally good.

Chronic Q fever requires long-term treatment with antibiotics. Your health care provider should check you often to make sure the disease has not returned.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Notify your medical provider if you have symptoms of Q fever, especially if you believe you have been exposed to the bacteria. Although many different illnesses can cause similar symptoms, you may need to be evaluated for Q fever.

Prevention    Return to top

People at risk (for example, farmers and veterinarians) should always:

Pasteurizing milk can also help prevent Q fever.

Prompt treatment can prevent early Q fever from becoming chronic.

References    Return to top

Baoult D. Rickettsioses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 348.

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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