Q fever – selected issues
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2013, Vol 20, Issue 2
Abstract
Q fever is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by Gram-negative coccobacillus [i]Coxiella burnetii[/i], belonging to the [i]Legionellales[/i] order, [i]Coxiellaceae[/i] family. The presented study compares selected features of the bacteria genome, including chromosome and plasmids QpH1, QpRS, QpDG and QpDV. The pathomechanism of infection – starting from internalization of the bacteria to its release from infected cell are thoroughly described. The drugs of choice for the treatment of acute Q fever are tetracyclines, macrolides and quinolones. Some other antimicrobials are also active against [i]C. burnetii[/i], namely, telitromycines and tigecyclines (glicylcycline). Q-VAX vaccine induces strong and long-term immunity in humans. Coxevac vaccine for goat and sheep can reduce the number of infections and abortions, as well as decrease the environmental transmission of the pathogen. Using the microarrays technique, about 50 proteins has been identified which could be used in the future for the production of vaccine against Q fever. The routine method of [i]C. burnetii[/i] culture is proliferation within cell lines; however, an artificial culture medium has recently been developed. The growth of bacteria in a reduced oxygen (2.5%) atmosphere was obtained after just 6 days. In serology, using the IF method as positive titers, the IgM antibody level >1:64 and IgG antibody level >1:256 (against II phase antigens) has been considered. In molecular diagnostics of [i]C. burnetii[/i] infection, the most frequently used method is PCR and its modifications; namely, nested PCR and real time PCR which detect target sequences, such as [i]htpAB[/i] and [i]IS1111[/i], chromosome genes (com1), genes specific for different types of plasmids and transposase genes. Although Q fever was diagnosed in Poland in 1956, the data about the occurrence of the disease are incomplete. Comprehensive studies on the current status of Q fever in Poland, with special focus on pathogen reservoirs and vectors, the sources of infection and molecular characteristics of bacteria should be conducted.
Authors and Affiliations
Agata Bielawska-Drózd, Piotr Cieślik, Tomasz Mirski, Michał Bartoszcze, Józef Piotr Knap, Jerzy Gaweł, Dorota Żakowska
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP80606
- DOI -
- Views 129
- Downloads 0
Release of bisphenol A and its derivatives from orthodontic adhesive systems available on the European market as a potential health risk factor
[b]Introduction[/b]. Treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances requires the application of adhesive systems to enable secure fastening of brackets and retainers to the surface of tooth enamel. The orthodontic bonding s...
Disease specific knowledge about cystic fibrosis, patient education and counselling in Poland
introduction and objective. The presented study assesses levels of specific knowledge of the disease among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and their families, and evaluates the effectiveness of a targeted, disease specific...
POlish-Norwegian Study (PONS)
The ‘Closing the health gap in the European Union’ report, prepared by the HEM project team, describes the epidemiological situation in the new EU member-states and indicates the need for undertaking action for e...
Narrative Text Analysis of Accident Reports with Tractors, Self-Propelled Harvesting Machinery and Materials Handling Machinery in Austrian Agriculture from 2008 to 2010 – A Comparison
The aim of this study was the identification of accident scenarios and causes by analysing existing accident reports of recognized agricultural occupational accidents with tractors, self-propelled harvesting machinery an...
Quicker response results in better SpO2 control – a comparison of 3 FiO2-titration strategies in ventilated preterm infants
[b][/b][b]Introduction.[/b] The impact of SpO2 target ranges (TR) has been carefully studied; however, reports suggest a wide variation among infants and centres in maintaining the intended range. Little is known about t...