LONDON: Scientists at the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory in the UK, have made a major discovery that would benefit soldiers and civilians infected with Q fever, Western media reported on Monday.
Utilizing advanced robot technology, they screened over 2,000 approved medicines to identify the most effective treatment against the Coxiella burnetii, bacteria that causes the disease.
They found that the common painkiller ibuprofen was very effective when used in tandem with antibiotics.
Q fever, can be contracted from Sheep, cattle, goat and has the potential to become a chronic illness. Its symptoms include severe fatigue, depression, headaches and psychiatric issues.
As it is recognized as a threat to troops worldwide, the Q fever has been on the military’s radar since the 1950s.
READ ALSO: US says Israel Signals to Lower Gaza War Intensity
Usually, it takes just one inhaled organism to start the disease, leading to approximately 60 reported cases in England and Wales annually.
The scientists, under the Professor Tim Atkins are trying to characterize microorganisms, develop sophisticated detection systems, and create medical countermeasures.
Q fever comes under third level of hazards and shares the category with diseases such as anthrax and the plague.
This discovery of ibuprofen’s in treating Q fever is a major step forward in managing this persistent threat.
