The life cycle of Coxiella burnetii

1. Propose a life cycle for Coxiella.
2. Why do Coxiella show variable Gram stain results-that is, they may stain gram-positive or gram-negative? Should they be classified as gram-positive or gram-negative?
3. What disease does C. burnetii cause? Why can this disease be transmitted by airborne routes while other (closely related) rickettsia require insects and ticks for transmission to humans?

Sample Solution