Coxiella burnetii: international pathogen of mystery

Microbes Infect. 2020 Apr;22(3):100-110. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2019.09.001. Epub 2019 Sep 28.

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever. This unique pathogen has been historically challenging to study due to obstacles in genetically manipulating the organism and the inability of small animal models to fully mimic human Q fever. Here, we review the current state of C. burnetii research, highlighting new approaches that allow the mechanistic study of infection in disease relevant settings.

Keywords: Coxiella burnetii; Intracellular; Macrophage; Q fever.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coxiella burnetii / pathogenicity*
  • Cytoplasm / microbiology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Macrophages / microbiology*
  • Q Fever / microbiology*