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Information Handouts
Q-fever is a
zoonotic disease. It is primarily transmitted to
humans from domestic ruminants although other species may be
involved. The disease is caused by the rickettsial
organism Coxiella burnettii. In the human, flu like
symptoms are the most commom. However, a wide variety
of conditions including thyroiditis, hepatitis, severe
pneumonia, endocarditis and occasionally death results from
infection. Debilitated
and immune compromised individuals are most at risk.
There is no
effective vaccination for animals, furthermore, the ruminant
may seroconvert and start to shed without the appearance of
clinical signs. The pregnant and/or lactating animal
has the greatest potential for shedding the organism.
It is found in very large numbers in the milk and products
of conception. The male or non-pregnant, non-lactating
female is least likely to shed the organism.
Coxiella
burnettii is a very resistance organism able to survive in
the environment for extended periods of time.
Transmission can occur via ingestion, fomites, aerosols and
arthropods. The disease is rarely transmitted from
human to human.
Individuals
at risk include all people working directly with ruminants
(especially pregnant animals) or handling animal products
such as leather, milk etc. Of those individuals who
seroconvert less than 50 % have been in direct contact with
ruminants.
References:
1. Acha PN, Szyfres B: Zoonosis and Communicable
Disease Common to
Man and Animals. Washington, Pan American Health
Organization. 1987,
pp 261-267
2. Stoenner HG: Q-fever. In Steele JH
(Ed) Handbook Series in
Zoonosis, Section A, Vol II. Boca Raton, CRC Press,
1981, pp. 167-185
3. Simor AE: Q-Fever -- Human Disease in Ontario.
Can Vet Journal,
Vol. 28 pp 264-266, 1987
4. Schnurrenberger PR, Hubbert WT: An Outline of Zoonosis.
Ames,
Iowa State University Press, 1981. pg. 35-36
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