“Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. Q fever may be present as an acute or a chronic infection and can be reactivated during subsequent pregnancies. Although its exact prevalence remains unknown, it is likely that the number of cases of Q fever in pregnant women is underestimated […] Q fever may … More Journal extract: Carcopino et al. (2009)

“Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, may result in abortions, premature deliveries, and stillbirths in infected pregnant women […] Our results show that C burnetii infections cause abortion and that women who develop Q fever while pregnant should be treated with co-trimoxazole for the duration of pregnancy, specifically when infected during the first trimester.” Source: Q fever … More Journal extract: Raoult et al. (2002)

“These findings were similar to those in Australian abbatoir workers occupationally exposed to Q fever. CDC criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome were fulfilled by 42.3% of cases and 26% of controls. Using visual analogue scores, symptoms were more severe in cases than in controls. Our findings support the existence of a chronic fatigue state following … More Journal extract: Ayres et al. (1998)

“Q fever outbreaks in urban areas are not common. Flocks of sheep and goats were the most likely source of infection, as suggested by the observation that flocks grazed in, or had travelled on, the roads and the gardens of the town, and for the prevalence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies among animals in the area. … More Journal extract: Panaiotov et al. (2009)

“We describe the investigation of an outbreak of Q fever in the town of Cheltenham, England. The outbreak was detected in June 2007, and prospective and retrospective case finding identified 30 confirmed or probable human cases. The investigation identified windborne spread of Coxiella burnetii from nearby sheep farms as the most likely source of infection … More Journal extract: Wallensten et al. (2010)

“Q fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. The organism is found in most parts of the world and is endemic in wild and domestic animals, rodents, and arthropods, which provide a reservoir for infection. Most outbreaks have been associated directly or indirectly with farms or farm animals, but urban outbreaks have … More Journal extract: van Woerden et al. (2004)

“A case control study (26 cases and 52 matched controls) produced no evidence that direct contact with animals or animal products had caused the outbreak. The epidemic curve suggested a point source exposure in the week beginning 10 April. The home addresses of cases were clustered in a rectangle 11 miles (18.3 km) north/south by … More Journal extract: Hawker et al. (1998)

“C. burnetii can be effectively transmitted to a large number of people through a common exposure. This outbreak raises the issue of underdiagnosis of Q fever, especially when a primary practitioner treats a sporadic case that manifests as an influenza-like illness. In our study, the working diagnosis of the majority of the physicians was a … More Journal extract: Amitai et al. (2010)