Classification: ICD-9 083.0; ICD-10 A78.
Syndromes and synonyms: Coxiellosis, Query fever.
Agent: A zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium, and is closely related to Legionella spp., Francisella tularensis, and Rickettsia spp. C. burnetii is classified as a potential biological warfare agent.
Reservoir: Domestic and free living ungulates (cattle, sheep, and goats). Also found in other livestock, birds, pets (cats and dogs), and ticks. Infected animals are generally asymptomatic, but infection may lead to late abortion.
Vector: Rarely by tick bite.
Cycle: Animals inhale C. burnetii aerosols or ingest contaminated straw or hay. C. burnetii bacteria invade local lymph nodes, where they complete their life cycle within phagosomes. From the lymph nodes the agent spreads to other organs via the bloodstream. This bacteremic phase lasts for one week. From infected organs, like mammary glands, placenta, and kidneys, it can be excreted into the environment and lead to infection in exposed animals and humans.
Transmission
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