About the Book

Q fever is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, which infects a broad range of hosts. This volume presents critical reviews of the biological aspects of C. burnetii. Topics covered include C. burnetii's place in the microbial world through a comparison with other microorganisms that are phylogenetically related or share phenotypic traits; intrinsic properties of Coxiella with respect to infectivity, virulence, and pathogenecity; past and current methods for the isolation, amplification, and purification of C. Burnetii; obligate acidophily; metabolic capabilities, with emphasis on intermediary metabolism, macromolecular synthesis, and protein export; and human immune responses to bacterial components during acute and chronic infection by C. Burnetii. Other fascinating topics about C. Burnetii include antigens, virulence factors, and biological response modifiers; ultrastructure; genetics; cloning and expression; and C. burnetii in the U.S.S.R. and China. Epidemiologists, molecular biologists, microbiologists, and other researchers interested in Q fever and C. burnetii should consider this book an essential reference resource.