DEFINITION

The fever Q is an infectious illness caused by a microorganism of the group of the "rickettsias" called Coxiella burnetti, which causes pneumonia and, sometimes, affectation of the liver.

CAUSES, INCIDENCE AND FACTORS OF RISK

Coxiella burnetti lives in the domestic animals; the principal reservoirs are sheep, goats and cows. The human beings contract the illness for contact with dregs, blood or textiles of the animals (afterbirth, especially); or for consumption of raw milk without boiling nor to pasteurize.

The fever Q affects much more stockbreeders, workpeople of the field or veterinary.

SYMPTOMS

• high fever, shakes, sudoración
• headache
• artromialgias (pains of muscles and joints)
• dry cough
• occasionally, thoracic, abdominal pain and jaundice (yellow dye).

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination. There are usually signs of pneumonia (abnormal pulmonary sounding) and sometimes, of hepatitis (big liver, etc)

X-ray studies. The radiographies of thorax and abdomen can be abnormal.

Analytical. There can be increase of white globules in blood, and alterations of the biochemistry of the liver. The specific serología is diagnostic.

TREATMENT

The Antibiotics (Tetraciclinas or cloramfenicol) are very effective.

In general, the fever Q sends even without antibiotic treatment.

Nevertheless, very serious complications can happen:

• endocarditis
• chronic hepatitis
• encephalitis
• osteomielitis
• chronic pneumonia or appellant.

Primary preventive measurements: Pasteurization of the milk, control of the dust in the cattle industries, incineration of afterbirths, dregs and urine of infected animals.

Specific vaccines for workpeople in risk situation.

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