Coxiella

burnetii

 

 

Coxiella burnetti is a Gram-negative coccobacillus-like bacteria that is similar to Legionella and Rickettsia. The bacteria are heat and desiccation resistant.  Pathogenicity is determined by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer found in the outer membrane.  Many of these sugars are not found in any other LPS.  These compounds signal the release of tumor necrosis factor α (alpha) from mononuclear cells. 

 

References:

*MSDS: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/msds-ftss/msds43e.html

* Texas Department of Health: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/bioterrorism/facts/qfever.html

*CDC: www.cdc.gov

 

Q-fever