Q fever: A rural disease with potential urban consequences

BACKGROUND: Q fever often presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness. Cases occur throughout Australia, with higher rates occurring in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide clinicians with an overview of Q fever, and covers epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, sequelae, management and prevention.

DISCUSSION: In Australia, Q fever is the most commonly reported zoonotic disease. Presentation includes fever, rigors, chills, headache, extreme fatigue, drenching sweats, weight loss, arthralgia and myalgia, often in conjunction with abnormal liver function tests. These features make it indistinguishable from many other febrile illnesses. Exposure occurs through contact with livestock and other animals. Coxiella bacteria can survive in dust, where infection may result from inhalation. Laboratory diagnosis is made by serology or polymerase chain reaction. An effective vaccine is available for adults (aged >15 years), but can only be administered after a rigorous pre-vaccination assessment to exclude prior exposure to Coxiella burnetii, requiring a detailed medical history, skin test and serology.