Q Fever
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Coxiella burnetii | |
---|---|
Phylum | Proteobacteria |
Class | Zymobacteria |
Sub-class | Alphaproteobacteria |
Order | Legionellales |
Family | Coxiellaceae |
Genus | Coxiella |
Species | C. burnetii |
Q fever
- Caused by Coxiella burnetti
- Influenza-like disease of humans in contact with farm animals
- Transmitted to humans by inhalation from parturient sheep, goats and cattle
- Organisms replicate in female genital tract and mammary glands of ruminants
- Shedding occurs in uterine discharges, foetal fluid and milk
- Infections in animals usually subclinical
- Sporadic abortions occur in sheep, goats, cattle, cats
- Infertility may result in ruminants, as well as placentitis or endometritis
- Hepatitis, myocarditis and interstitial pneumonia may occur in affected foetuses
- Diagnosis: MZN-stained smears of placental tissue and uterine discharges; immunofluorescence; PCR; culture; serology
- Control: disposal of infected placenta and separation of pregnant ruminants; inactivated vaccines
Coxiella burnetti (rickettsia)
Infection by inhalation, ingestion or tick bites. Leads to late abortion or birth of weak lambs/kids. See a thickened leathery placenta covered in exudate. ZN stains can be use to demonstrate organisms.