Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

What is Coxiella burnetii? Coxiella burnetii is a small, pleomorphic, gram-negative rod that is an obligate intracellular bacterium. It causes a zoonotic infection that is transmitted primarily via aerosols, and people at highest risk are individuals in contact with farm animals. The primary condition that Coxiella burnetii causes is Q fever, which can be further divided into acute and chronic Q fever. Acute Q fever can be asymptomatic or associated with non-specific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. On the other hand, chronic Q fever is most classically associated with infective endocarditis. Find our full video library only on Osmosis: http://osms.it/more. Join millions of current and future clinicians who learn by Osmosis, along with hundreds of universities around the world who partner with Osmosis from Elsevier to make medical and health education more engaging and efficient. We have unparalleled tools and materials to prepare you for success in school, on your board exams, and as a future clinician. Sign up for a free trial at http://osms.it/more. If you're interested in exploring an institutional partnership, visit osmosis.org/educators to request a personalized demo. Follow us on social: Facebook: http://osms.it/facebook Twitter: http://osms.it/twitter Instagram for med: http://osms.it/instagram Instagram for nursing: https://osms.it/ignursing TikTok: https://osms.it/tiktok Linkedin: https://osms.it/linkedin Our Vision: Everyone who cares for someone will learn by Osmosis. Our Mission: To empower the world’s clinicians and caregivers with the best learning experience possible. Learn more here: http://osms.it/mission Medical disclaimer: Osmosis from Elsevier does not provide medical advice. Osmosis from Elsevier and the content available on the Osmosis from Elsevier properties (Osmosis.org, YouTube, and other channels) do not provide a diagnosis or other recommendation for treatment and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosis and treatment of any person or animal. The determination of the need for medical services and the types of healthcare to be provided to a patient are decisions that should be made only by a physician or other licensed healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. © 2025 Elsevier. All rights reserved.