Q Fever

What is it?

A bacterial infection from cows, goats, sheep and livestock animals commonly affecting farmers that can cause heart problems.

The symptoms normally occur two to three weeks after exposure.
Farm workers, especially those who work with animals, people who work in slaughterhouses and veterinarians are especially vulnerable to this disease.

Diagnosis tests

Serology tests
- Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
- Phase II antibodies → acute Q fever
- Phase I antibodies → chronic Q fever (especially endocarditis)
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
- Useful for early detection within one or two weeks within acute phase of condition before antibodies develop.
Blood culture
Blood test – complete blood count
Echocardiography (especially endocarditis)
Liver tests

Countries affected are:

South America

Chile (Easter Island)

Middle East

Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories

Australasia and Pacific

Australia

Cause

Bacteria: Coxiella burnetii
Transmitted via:
- Breathing contaminated air or eating or drinking contaminated food.
- Urine, faeces, pregnant animals that give birth (they contain the bacteria in secretions during birth when helping in delivery), raw milk and inhaled particles from infected animals (cattle, sheep and goats, cats and dogs)
- Rarely via ticks
- Rarely via human to human transmission

Source: http://emergencymedic.blogspot.co.uk Janeway lesions

Source: drrajivdesaimd.com Osler nodes

Symptoms

High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
Chest pain?
Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
Rapid heartbeat, swollen ankles and/or fingers?
Night sweats?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Small areas of inflammation (granuloma)?
New rash that has appeared or existing rash getting worst (Bleeding into skin on palms and sole of feet (Janeway lesions)?
Swollen fingers and toes (Osler nodes)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Pneumonia
Meningitis
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Liver disease
Bleeding into skin
Encephalitis
Myocarditis (inflammation of the muscular wall of the heart)
Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart)
Enlarged spleen

This condition can lead to:

Q- fever fatigue syndrome
- Symptoms include:
  - Low grade Fever/light sweats
  - Fatigue/tiredness
  - Joint pain and stiffness
  - Unintended weight loss
  - Shortness of breath and/or trouble breathing (long term respiratory conditions including pneumonia)
  - Endocarditis
  - Myocarditis (inflammation of the muscular wall of the heart)
  - Heart failure
  - Blood disorder (thrombocytopenia)
  - Enlarged spleen
  - Large liver
  - Raised skin lesions (maculopapular exanthema)
  - Red or purple spots on the skin (purpura)
- Rheumatoid factor positivity
  - Joint pain (arthralgia)
  - Muscle pain (myalgia)
  - Night sweats
  - Chills,
  - Fatigue (tiredness)
  - Unintended weight loss
- Rare conditions include:
  - Left ventricle
  - Abnormal amyloid build-up (amyloidosis)
  - Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
  - Encephalitis
  - Lupus anticoagulant (increase risk of blood clots)
  - Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
  - Meningitis

Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Blood vessel infections
Liver infection

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Parrot Fever (Psittacosis)

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Q Fever in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Medical News Today
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Medscape (Professional level)
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Healthline
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EveryDay Health
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Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
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NHS
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WebMD
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Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
Mayo Clinic
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Drugs.com
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National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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Verywell Health
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Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
Better health - NHS
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