Diseases caused by Coxiella burnetii:
Q fever can manifest as acute or chronic forms. Acute Q fever presents with flu-like symptoms, while chronic Q fever can lead to more severe complications, such as endocarditis. Coxiella burnetii is zoonotic, often transmitted to humans through inhalation of contaminated aerosols from infected animals, particularly livestock.

Detection and Diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii:
Diagnosing Q fever involves serological tests to detect specific antibodies, with the phase I and phase II antigens being essential for distinguishing acute from chronic infections. PCR can also be employed to detect Coxiella burnetii DNA in clinical samples. Serological methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), like the assays provided here, can detect antibodies produced in response to infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment, especially in cases of chronic Q fever, which may require long-term antibiotic therapy.