Medycyna Wet. 67 (1), 15-19, 2011
full text
| Truszczyński M. |
| Q fever |
| The importance of Q fever from the veterinary and medical point of view was characterized, and the fact that the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) had classified it as a listed disease was mentioned. The reason for this classification was the zoonotic potential of Coxiella (C.) burnetii and its ubiquitous, global occurrence. The main properties of this microorganism were described. The epizootic of the Q fever outbreak in late 2009 in the Netherlands and control methods applied in goat and sheep farms were shortly described. The main reservoirs of the infection and transmission of C. burnetii to human beings were mentioned. A summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses and zoonotic agents in the European Union member countries in 2008 was cited in relation to Q fever monitoring in animals and in humans. The role of wildlife and domestic animals, particularly ruminants, as the reservoir of Q fever and the role of ticks in transmitting the infection to human beings and domestic animals were evaluated. Cows, sheep and goats, in particular their feces, urine, amniotic fluid and aborted fetuses, were indicated as the most important sources of infection. The aerogenic transmission of C. burnetii by aerosols from these sources was evaluated as the most frequent one. Other sources of infection of animals and humans were also mentioned. The symptoms of Q fever in humans and animals were described. The importance of Q fever to public health was underlined, noting that C. burnetii is highly pathogenic for human beings. In connection with this statement the role of veterinary prophylaxis of this zoonosis was emphasized. Diagnostic laboratory tests were mentioned as well as the general and specific prophylaxis of Q fever and the use of antibiotics in domestic ruminants. The authors made efforts to present important recent achievements in the research on Q fever and its etiological agent. |
| Keywords: Coxiella burnetii, Q fever, zoonosis |