Coxiella burnetii and Q fever - a review.

Q fever is an emerging infectious disease in Europe. Q fever is a zoonosis and infected animals are the main source of infection. Ticks may act as a vector and transmit the pathogen to animals and humans. Q fever has non-specific symptoms and is difficult to diagnose. Results of serological tests are positive many days after manifestation of symptoms. PCR method might be useful in the diagnostic process.