Coxiella burnetti. False-colour transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of the rickettsia-like bacteria Coxiella burnetti. Here, the organism is dividing in two, with cell contents duplicated. Coxiella burnetti is the cause of an influenza- like febrile illness known as Q" fever. It is highly infectious, usually including patchy pneumonic consolidation. Hepatitis & endocarditis may also occur. Q fever is transmitted to humans via sheep, goats and cattle. Human infection is by inhalation of dust or droplets contaminated from the excreta of infected animals, or by ingestion of infected milk. Treatment is with antibiotic drugs. Magnification: x40,000 at 6x4. 5cm size."