Which organism is the causative agent of Q fever?

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Q fever is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a small Gram-negative bacterium that can live inside host cells and survive well in the environment. People typically become infected by inhaling aerosols from contaminated livestock birth products—placenta, birth fluids, or manure—from cattle, sheep, or goats. Its high infectiousness means even a small dose can cause illness, and exposure often occurs in agricultural or slaughterhouse settings. The disease can range from a mild febrile illness to pneumonia or hepatitis, and chronic infection can lead to endocarditis in people with heart valve problems. The other organisms listed cause different diseases—plague, brucellosis, and anthrax—so Coxiella burnetii is the correct causative agent for Q fever.