Prophylaxis and treatment of asymptomatic individuals with Q fever is recommended.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not recommended but sometimes advised
• D. Only during outbreaks

Answer: (B)

Antibiotics are not given prophylactically to people who have an asymptomatic Q fever infection. Most infections resolve without illness, and starting treatment in asymptomatic individuals hasn’t been shown to prevent symptoms or later complications. In addition, unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to resistance. Therefore guidelines reserve antibiotic therapy for those with clinical disease (acute Q fever with symptoms) and, in high-risk cases, for chronic Q fever, rather than treating everyone who has been exposed or who tests positive but feels well. This is why the statement is false.