It is considered a good agent in part because its ID50 (number of bacilli needed to infect 50% of individuals) is considered to be one, making it the lowest known. In animals
Q fever can affect many species of domestic and wild animals, including ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, bison, deers...), carnivores (dogs, cats, seals...), rodents, reptiles and birds. However, ruminants (cattle, goats and sheep) are the most frequently affected animals, and can serve as a reservoir for the bacteria. Clinical signs
In contrast to humans, even though a respiratory and cardiac infection could be experimentally reproduced in cattle, the clinical signs mainly affect the reproductive system. Q fever in ruminants is therefore mainly responsible for abortions, metritis, retained placenta and infertility. The clinical signs vary between species. In small ruminants (sheep and goats), it is dominated by abortions, premature births, stillbirths and the birth of weak lambs or kids. One of the characteristics of abortions in goats is that they are very frequent and clustered in the first year or two after contamination of the farm. This is known as an abortion storm.In cattle, although abortions also occur, they are less frequent and more sporadic. The clinical picture is rather dominated by non-specific signs such as placental retentions, metritis and, consequently, fertility disorders. Epidemiology
With the exception of New Zealand, which is currently free of Q fever, the disease is present throughout the world. Numerous epidemiological surveys have been carried out.
See also
List of cutaneous conditions

References


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