Pasteurization of milk destroys Coxiella burnetii.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not tested

Answer: (A)

Pasteurization is a heat-treatment designed to inactivate pathogens in milk, with Coxiella burnetii (the agent of Q fever) being the classic organism used to validate the process. The standard pasteurization methods (such as HTST at 72°C for 15 seconds or equivalent) are validated to achieve a substantial, typically 5-log, reduction of Coxiella burnetii. This means the organism is destroyed by properly performed pasteurization, making the statement true. Context: pasteurized milk is produced specifically to lower the risk from this pathogen, though improper processing can undermine efficacy.