ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Coxiella in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Belonging to the family Coxiellaceae, order Legionellales, class Gammaproteobacteria, phylum Proteobacteria, domain Bacteria, the genus Coxiella currently consists of a well recognized species C. burnetii, a yet to be confirmed species C. cheraxi, and a number of unassigned Coxiella-like bacteria. As an obligate intracellular bacterium, C. burnetii readily replicates in cells of poikilothermic animals and homeotherms. C. burnetii is prevalent across the globe, with the possible exception of New Zealand. It is endemic in southern France, Spain, the Netherlands, Middle East, and Australia. In the United States, high incidence is detected in the Midwest and California. C. burnetii is a ubiquitous, highly infectious, gram-negative bacterium that is responsible for causing Q fever in humans and animals.
