General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkLegionellosisQ feverMelioidosis
AgentLegionella spp.Coxiella burnetiiBurkholderia pseudomallei
FamilyBacteriaBacteriaBacteria
Paths and contextsEnvironment
Respiratory
Animal / zoonosis
Environment
Respiratory
Environment
Respiratory
What distinguishes diseaseLung infection acquired by inhalation of contaminated water aerosols; transmission between people is exceptional.Zoonosis acquired mainly by inhalation of contaminated dust from infected farm animals.Bacterial infection acquired from contaminated soil or water, mainly in certain tropical areas.
PreventionAppropriate design, maintenance and control of water systems and aerosol generating equipment.Health care of low-income people, safe management of animal waste and respiratory protection in exhibiting activities.Limit unprotected contact with muddy soil and water in endemic areas, especially in the presence of risk factors.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Form →
CDC — référence ↗
Diagnosis and monitoringThe medical team can use urinary and respiratory tests. The choice of examinations influences the species or types of Legionella detected.Blood tests are looking for infection. The results can take time; the professional may decide to treat a suspicion before they return.Diagnosis can be difficult because the disease looks like other infections. Mention travel, contact with water or soil, and chronic diseases.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Recent stays and frequented places
  • Exposure to aerosol-producing facilities
  • Lowering and proximity of herds
  • Pregnancy and history of heart or vascular disease
  • Stays, whether or not old
  • Works, rains and exposed wounds

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Environment · Respiratory. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.