Q fever, state of art: Epidemiology, diagnosis and prophylaxis

Q fever is a widespread zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii. The respiratory tract is the most common route of infection, which occurs by inhalation of contaminated dust and spray shed from infected animals. Livestock is considered as the major "source" for human infections. This short review summarizes the state of the knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Q fever in sheep flocks. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.