Book excerpt: This fascinating book describes the history, and epidemiology in both man and animals, and clinical features of this zoonosis. It reveals detailed information pertaining to the basic science aspects of the interaction of Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of Q (Query) fever, with the host and the immune response of the host to this unique pathogen. This one-of-a-kind work uses the rules of epidemiological evidence to determine whether or not Coxiella burnetii is a perinatal pathogen for man. This interesting, easy-to-understand text concludes with chapters dealing with the antibiotic susceptibility of Coxiella burnetii and the studies that resulted in a vaccine that now can be used to prevent this infection. This volume is an absolute must for all microbiologists, respirologists, infectious disease physicians and veterinarians.