Q fever is a sickness brought about by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which can be communicated to people from creatures like sheep, goats, and cows. C. burnetii is viewed as a potential bioterrorism specialist since it is very tough in the climate, taints individuals who inhale vaporizers containing the creature, and has a low irresistible portion (one life form can cause illness in a powerless individual). Q fever is characterized by flu-like symptoms that appear two to three weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Although most people recover from Q fever on their own, more serious cases need antibiotic treatment.
What causes Q fever in animals?
The bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is commonly present in sheep, goats, and cattle, causes Q fever. Cats, dogs, and rabbits are among the animals that can be infected by the bacterium. The bacteria is spread by these animals’ urine, faces, milk, and birthing items like the placenta and amniotic fluid. The bacteria in these compounds become part of the barnyard dust that floats in the air when they dry. When humans inhale infected barnyard soil, the infection is normally transferred to their lungs.
Risk factors for chronic Q fever
The following factors will increase your chances of contracting the Q fever bacteria:
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- Affiliation- Since you’re exposed to animals and animal products as part of your work, those jobs put you at a higher risk. Veterinary medicine, meat production, livestock raising, and animal science are all at risk.
- The place- Since the bacteria can travel long distances with dust particles in the air, simply being near a farm or farming facility may increase your risk of contracting Q fever.
- Your sex- It appears that Men are more likely to develop symptomatic acute Q fever.
Chronic Q fever risk factors in Human
People with the following conditions are more likely to experience the more deadly type of Q fever:
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- Valve disorder of the heart
- Abnormalities in the blood vessels
- Immune systems that have been compromised
- Kidney function issues
Symptoms of Q fever
Many people who are sick with Q fever don’t show any signs or symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, they will most likely appear three to 30 days after exposure to the bacteria. The following are possible signs and symptoms:
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- High fever (up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit) (41 C)
- Headache that is serious
- Chills of Fatigue
- Coughing
- nauseous
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
- Light sensitivity is a term used to describe a person’s sensitivity to light
Complications of Q fever
A recurrence of Q fever can harm your heart, liver, lungs, and brain, leading to serious complications such as:
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- Endocarditic is a condition that affects the heart. Endocarditic is an inflammation of the membrane within your heart that can cause extensive damage to your heart valves. The most dangerous of Q fever’s complications is endocarditic.
- Pregnancy problems- Miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, and stillbirth are all increased by chronic Q fever.
- Liver damage- Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that impairs its function, occurs in certain people who contract Q fever.
- Lung problems- Q fever can lead to pneumonia in some people. This can cause acute respiratory failure, which is a medical emergency caused by a lack of oxygen.
Prevention of Q fever
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- Avoid contact with animals, particularly while they are giving birth, to reduce your risk of contracting Q fever. Coxiella burnetii can infect animals and make them appear healthy.
- Fresh milk and raw milk products should not be consumed.
- If you have been diagnosed with Q fever and have a history of heart valve disease, blood vessel defects, a compromised immune system, or are pregnant, discuss the risk of developing chronic Q fever with your healthcare provider.
