What cell type is important for the intracellular survival of C. burnetii in the pathogenesis of Q fever?

The intracellular survival of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is heavily reliant on macrophages. This bacterium has developed mechanisms to evade the host's immune response, allowing it to replicate within the harsh environment of the macrophage's phagosome. Once inside these immune cells, C. burnetii can manipulate the host cell's processes to create a niche that supports its proliferation.

Macrophages are key players in the immune response, as they are designed to engulf and destroy pathogens. However, in the case of C. burnetii, it has evolved adaptations that allow it not only to survive but also to thrive in this defensive environment, leading to the establishment of a persistent infection. This interaction is crucial for the pathogenesis of Q fever, as the bacteria can persist in macrophages and contribute to the disease's chronic phase.

The other cell types mentioned, such as neutrophils and lymphocytes, play important roles in the immune response but are not primarily responsible for the intracellular survival of C. burnetii. Neutrophils are typically involved in the acute inflammatory response and may not sustain this pathogen effectively, while lymphocytes are more connected with the adaptive immune response rather than the direct