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Q-Fever

Q fever is caused by the organism Coxiella burnetii.

 

There are three tests offered for the diagnosis of these diseases:

- Indirect microimmunofluorescence assay (IFA)

- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

- Culture. 

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1 

IFA

For the IFA, Clotted blood (serum) may be submitted for serological diagnosis. If possible a follow-up specimen should be sent a minimum of 7-10 days later to detect a change from negative to a positive antibody level (seroconversion) or if the first sample is positive, a significant increase in antibody levels will also confirm the diagnosis.

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Q-fever serology involves testing the patient's serum against phase 2 C. burnetii ( acute Q-fever) and phase 1 C. burnetii (chronic Q-fever). 

2

PCR

The PCR involves the detection of 2 specific DNA targets of the C. burnetii genome. 

3

CULTURE

The culture assay involves the isolation of the organism in cell culture and can take up to twelve weeks.

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