AETIOLOGY Q Fever is caused by the rickettsial pathogen Coxiella burnetii, a minute bacterium-like organism which may vary in size and shape. The smaller organisms will pass through microbial filters (pore size 2 11m). The pathogen is able to produce a highly resistant spore which enables it to remain stable in the environment and in… Read more »
AETIOLOGY Alphaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses, spherical in shape, and with a diameter of around 60-70nm. They have a lipoprotein envelope and have glycoprotein surface spikes containing major antigens. They belong to the family Togaviridae, which also contains the Flaviviruses (including Dengue fever virus, yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, St Louis encephalitis virus, Japanese… Read more »
