Q fever

Last Updated: 2019-08-27

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Holbroock 1937.

Rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia burneti.

  • Occurring all over the world.
  • Farmers are special.

  • Pathogen: Rickettsia burneti.
  • Infection occurs through inhalation of sheep tick excrement. Further the wool, milk or even the meat can be contaminated.
  • Transmission from person to person is extremely rare.

  • In the area of the inoculation site a partly ulcerated, possibly encrusted papule appears.
  • Locoregional lymph nodeadenopathy.
  • Febrile temperatures.
  • Maculopapular exanthema (initial at wrists and ankles).
  • Atypical pneumonia, conjunctivitis, cough.
  • Kidney, liver and CNS may be involved.

  1. Galache, C., et al., Q fever: a new cause of 'doughnut' granulomatous lobular panniculitis. Br J Dermatol, 2004. 151(3): p. 685-687.
  2. Frangoulidis, D. and S.F. Fischer, [Q fever]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 2015. 140(16): p. 1206-8.
  3. Schneeberger, P.M., et al., Q fever in the Netherlands - 2007-2010: what we learned from the largest outbreak ever. Med Mal Infect, 2014. 44(8): p. 339-53.
  4. Bielawska-Drozd, A., et al., Q fever--selected issues. Ann Agric Environ Med, 2013. 20(2): p. 222-32.
  5. Kersh, G.J., Antimicrobial therapies for Q fever. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 2013. 11(11): p. 1207-14.