Tf. Mccaul et al., IN-VIVO ENDOGENOUS SPORE FORMATION BY COXIELLA-BURNETII IN Q-FEVER ENDOCARDITIS, Journal of Clinical Pathology, 47(11), 1994, pp. 978-981
Aims-To determine whether Coxiella burnetii, the aetiological agent of
Q fever, undergoes endogenous spore-like formation, the crucial stage
of the developmental cycle, in the infected cardiac valves of patient
s with chronic Q fever endocarditis. Methods-Surgically removed valves
fi om three cases of Q fever endocarditis were processed for electron
microscopy. Sections were stained with potassium permanganate and ura
nyl acetate before being extensively examined by transmission electron
microscopy. Results-In all three cases endogenous spore-like formatio
n was seen in the infected cardiac valves. Conclusions-As the factors
that govern sporogenesis in C burnetii are still largely unknown, it i
s uncertain how important are the implications of the discovery of end
ogenous spare-like formation in Q fever endocarditis. However, this fi
nding may add new dimensions to current thinking about the treatment o
f chronic Q fever.