What is the most common clinical finding in livestock on farms where C. burnetii is highly suspected and/or endemic?

What is the most common clinical finding in livestock on farms where C. burnetii is highly suspected and/or endemic?

• A. Spontaneous abortions in livestock
• B. Fever in humans
• C. Respiratory distress
• D. Diarrhea

Answer: (A)

In livestock exposed to Coxiella burnetii, the most common clinical finding is spontaneous abortion, typically in late gestation, sometimes accompanied by a retained placenta. The bacteria infect placental tissue and cause placentitis, leading to fetal loss; many infected animals appear clinically normal apart from the abortion event, which makes this sign the most noticeable herd-level clue. Transmission risk to humans on farms comes from contact with birth products and placental fluids, but in the animals themselves fever, respiratory distress, or diarrhea are not the typical presenting signs.

In livestock exposed to Coxiella burnetii, the most common clinical finding is spontaneous abortion, typically in late gestation, sometimes accompanied by a retained placenta. The bacteria infect placental tissue and cause placentitis, leading to fetal loss; many infected animals appear clinically normal apart from the abortion event, which makes this sign the most noticeable herd-level clue. Transmission risk to humans on farms comes from contact with birth products and placental fluids, but in the animals themselves fever, respiratory distress, or diarrhea are not the typical presenting signs.