Search

Q fever can be an acute or a chronic disease. It is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. A sudden increase in fever is typical for the acute infection, usually accompanied by a pronounced feeling of illness and interstitial pneumonitis. The suspected diagnosis can be confirmed using serological and laboratory diagnostic methods. Q fever is usually treated with doxycycline or chloramphenicol. Due to its properties, the pathogen can also be used as a biological warfare agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]