A rare condition caused by a bacterium called C. burnetii is called Q fever. In most cases, people get it from inhaling dust or contaminated bodily fluids of infected animals. It is important to know that if you develop a chronic form of the condition, it may cause damage to the heart and other organs. Usually, people with a medical history of heart valve or blood vessel disease are at increased risk of developing long-term (chronic) Q fever.
The bacterium that causes Q fever (Coxiella burnetii or C. burnetii) is often carried by animals, including sheep, goats, cattle, and others. It may also spread to people from contaminated soil.
This condition gets its name from when the first people began coming down with it (in the 1930s in Australia and the 1940s in the United States). In those years, doctors did not understand why it happened, so they had questions (or “queries) about the cause of the fever.
Chronic Q Fever
This is a long-term form of the condition that can be life-threatening. It negatively affects the heart, blood vessels, bones, and other parts of the body. About 1% to 5% of people who get C. burnetii infection develop the chronic form of the disease. Sometimes, it may start months or even years after the original symptoms go away, and can lead to life-threatening complications quite quickly. Mostly, people with chronic Q fever develop endocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
In general, Q fever occurs very rarely and affects about 200 people in the United States per year.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually begin within 30 days after exposure to the bacterium if you develop acute Q fever. In some cases, people may continue to have symptoms even after one year of successful treatment. It is known as Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). However, some people may experience more severe symptoms if they develop a chronic form of the condition.
Acute Q Fever Symptoms
The symptoms of this form of condition are very similar to the flu. However, it may cause pneumonia, encephalitis, meningitis, or hepatitis (inflammation in the liver). Check below some common symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweats
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Purpura (rash-like spots under the skin)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
QFS Symptoms
Usually, roughly 20% of people experience long-term fatigue and other symptoms after initial exposure. Check below some symptoms:
- Headaches
- Sweats
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Extreme tiredness
Chronic Q Fever Symptoms
The following symptoms often appear years after exposure to C. burnetii infection. In most cases, it negatively affects the heart and its valves and blood vessels, but it may also negatively affect other parts of the body. Check below some symptoms of chronic Q fever:
- Low-grade fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the feet or legs
It is advised to contact your healthcare provider if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Causes
People develop this disorder when they come in contact with a bacterium called C. burnetii. Usually, cattle, sheep, and goats carry this bacterium, but do not have symptoms. Moreover, C. burnetii may spread through bodily fluids (including urine, stool, milk, and birthing products such as amniotic fluid).
One of the most common ways the bacterium spreads to humans is through breathing contaminated dust or mist. It often occurs when you work or live in areas where animals are kept (especially farm animals). Check below some less common ways of spreading:
- Infected tick bites
- Blood transfusions
- Drinking or eating unpasteurized dairy products (such as cheese, ice cream, or milk)
- During pregnancy or birth from a pregnant woman to her child
In general, this condition does not spread from one person to another.
Risk Factors
While anyone may develop this condition, certain factors can increase your risk even further. Check below some examples:
- Farmers, veterinarians, and livestock workers
- Laboratory workers
- Activities that involve dust
- Exposure to contaminated materials (including wool, straw, and others)
- A medical history of heart valve or blood vessel conditions
- Renal insufficiency
- Age – Older adults are more likely to get this condition.
- Weakened immune system – The immune system may become weakened due to certain health conditions and medicines. For example, immunosuppressants, cancer, HIV infection, cancer treatments (including chemotherapy), and others
- Drinking raw milk from an infected animal
What Are The Possible Complications of Q Fever?
People with this condition may also experience some complications, especially if they ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment. Check below some examples:
- Fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue)
- Heart failure
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Miscarriage (pregnancy loss)
- Low birth weight
- Arterial fistula (a disorder in which blood flows backward)
- Aneurysm (weakened and bulging arteries)
- Endocarditis (heart inflammation)
It is important to inform your doctor about any symptoms and changes you experience, because this article does not contain a complete list of Q fever complications. Moreover, you can consult with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or prevent previous complications.
How to Prevent Q Fever?
In general, it is not always possible to prevent this condition, but the following tips may help reduce the risk. Check below some examples:
- You should wear a mask and gloves while handling animal fluids (especially birthing products)
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
- Ask your doctor about vaccination
According to some studies, treating heart valve problems may help prevent Q fever in those who have been diagnosed with it.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis begins with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease. Doctors may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history. However, to confirm this condition, they often perform a blood test to check for the presence of C. burnetii. Commonly, test results come back in a few weeks. That’s why sometimes, physicians may begin the treatment before the results come.
Treatment
While acute Q fever is often easily treated with antibiotics, the chronic form can be challenging to treat. In such cases, doctors often recommend corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the disease. Check below some medicines often prescribed by doctors for people with Q fever:
- Clarithromycin
- Fluoroquinolones (such as Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and others)
- Doxycycline
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
- Rifampin
It is very important to get treatment for heart valve or blood vessel conditions to reduce the risk of developing the chronic form of Q fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Q fever be cured?
In most cases, people get rid of this condition with antibiotics within 7 to 10 days. Rarely, people with acute Q fever may experience some symptoms for months or even years. However, the chronic form can be cured, but it is quite difficult. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What are the symptoms to suspect Q fever in humans?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional because they may indicate Q fever. Examples include fever, chills, sudden headaches, muscle soreness, and pneumonia (rarely). However, some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, night sweats, weight loss, joint pain, and other symptoms.
What conditions can be mistaken for Q fever?
Sometimes, the following conditions are mistaken for Q fever. Check below some examples:
- Acute viral infections (such as influenza, hepatitis, and pneumonia)
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Atypical pneumonia
- Tick-borne illnesses (including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)
- Zoonotic diseases (such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, and others)
- Crohn’s disease
- Endocarditis
- Infections
This document does not contain all possible conditions that can be mistaken for Q fever. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
