27 - Q-fever

Question 1

Understand the epidemiology of Q fever infection with particular reference to reservoirs and methods of transmission.

Answer 1

Reservoirs: domestic ruminants (sheep, cattle, goats -> uterus and mammary gland)

Pets: esp cats, wild animals, birds, ticks

Transmission

Airborne: (fomites (particles combined w/ agent), spread by wind)
Direct contact (infected animals or materials)
Ingestion (raw milk)
Other (blood transfusion, marrow transplant, transplacental)

Question 2

List 2 unique characteristics of Q-fever? What makes it a possible bioterrorism agent?

Answer 2

Reactivation of infection occurs in pregnant animals, organisms can persist in contaminated soils for several months, low infectious dose, airborne particles can cause infection for .5 miles

Question 3

(q-fever)

What are common risk factors for infection?

Answer 3

• Endemic: areas where animal reservoirs are present
• Epidemic: workers in stockyards, meat packing and rendering plants, occupation (vets, meat workers, sheep and dairy farmers), labs, research facilities using sheep

Question 4

What chronic disease is a commonly associated with Q-fever infections in humans?

Answer 4

endocarditis

Question 5

(q-fever)

What recommendations would you provide to reduce the risk of infection to your clients? (list 2 to 3)

Answer 5

Pasteurize milk, dispose of birthing wastes appropriately, quarantine imported animals