Achievable logoAchievable logo
USMLE/1
Sign in
Sign up
Purchase
Textbook
Support
How it works
Resources
Exam catalog
Mountain with a flag at the peak
Textbook
Introduction
1. Anatomy
2. Microbiology
2.1 General bacteriology
2.2 Introduction to systemic bacteriology
2.3 Gram positive cocci
2.4 Gram negative cocci
2.5 Gram positive bacilli
2.6 Gram negative bacilli
2.7 Other important bacteria
2.7.1 Overview
2.7.2 Helicobacter pylori
2.7.3 Campylobacter jejuni
2.7.4 Haemophilus influenzae
2.7.5 Bordetella pertussis
2.7.6 Legionella pneumophila
2.7.7 Brucella
2.7.8 Mycobacteria
2.7.9 Actinomycetes
2.7.10 Nocardia
2.7.11 Mycoplasma pneumoniae
2.7.12 Treponema pallidum
2.7.13 Borrelia burgdorferi
2.7.14 Chlamydia / Chlamydophila
2.7.15 Rickettsia
2.7.16 Coxiella burnetii
2.7.17 Additional information
2.8 Virology
2.9 Parasitology
2.10 Mycology
3. Physiology
4. Pathology
5. Pharmacology
6. Immunology
7. Biochemistry
8. Cell and molecular biology
9. Biostatistics and epidemiology
10. Genetics
11. Behavioral science
Wrapping up
Achievable logoAchievable logo
2.7.16 Coxiella burnetii
Achievable USMLE/1
2. Microbiology
2.7. Other important bacteria

Coxiella burnetii

1 min read
Font
Discuss
Share
Feedback

It causes Q fever.

Transmission

Infection is acquired by inhaling aerosols from infected animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Clinical features

It typically presents as an influenza-like illness with a dry cough and pneumonia.

  • There is no rash.
  • It can cause hepatitis.
  • In chronic infections, it can cause endocarditis.

Laboratory diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis is made by:

  • Antibody detection using the complement fixation test or indirect immunofluorescence
  • PCR

Transmission

  • Inhalation of aerosols from infected cattle, sheep, goats
  • Zoonotic infection route

Clinical features

  • Influenza-like illness with dry cough, pneumonia
  • No rash present
  • Possible hepatitis
  • Chronic infection may cause endocarditis

Laboratory diagnosis

  • Antibody detection:
    • Complement fixation test
    • Indirect immunofluorescence
  • PCR for pathogen detection
All rights reserved ©2016 - 2026 Achievable, Inc.

Coxiella burnetii

It causes Q fever.

Transmission

Infection is acquired by inhaling aerosols from infected animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats.

Clinical features

It typically presents as an influenza-like illness with a dry cough and pneumonia.

  • There is no rash.
  • It can cause hepatitis.
  • In chronic infections, it can cause endocarditis.

Laboratory diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis is made by:

  • Antibody detection using the complement fixation test or indirect immunofluorescence
  • PCR
Key points

Transmission

  • Inhalation of aerosols from infected cattle, sheep, goats
  • Zoonotic infection route

Clinical features

  • Influenza-like illness with dry cough, pneumonia
  • No rash present
  • Possible hepatitis
  • Chronic infection may cause endocarditis

Laboratory diagnosis

  • Antibody detection:
    • Complement fixation test
    • Indirect immunofluorescence
  • PCR for pathogen detection