Q fever - What is it?

Key points:

- Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella Burnetii. Usually found in farm animals: cow, sheep and goats but also present in other animals such as dogs, cats, camels and lama.
- People who work closely with animals are at risk. More common in rural area.
- Q fever is difficult to diagnosis because symptoms are non-specific and similar to a common cold.
- Diagnosis is made by serology.
- People at risk should be vaccinated.
- Q fever usually resolves in 2 weeks without any treatment. If diagnosis is made early, doxycycline 100mg x 2 weeks is the drug of choice. In pregnant women, use trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole 12 hrly.
- Post infection, some people may develop fatigue symptoms for the next few months.
- Vaccination is one single subcutaneous dose. A serological and a skin test (comes with the vaccine) must be performed and tested negative before the vaccine is given.

Refereneces:
- Australian Q Fever Register
- eTG Complete