Q Fever

Not yet reviewed

This information is AI generated and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist physician. AI can make mistakes.

Disease overview

Bacterial infection with Coxiella burnetii, hosted mainly by cattle, sheep and goats; contracted by inhaling contaminated air or eating/drinking contaminated food.

Common symptoms

Rapid onset high fever (up to 104-105)headachefatiguemuscle painconfusionnausea/vomiting/diarrhea. May include hepatitis and/or pneumonia.

When to suspect

  • Recommendation 1

    Serology antibody tests (commonly indirect immunofluorescence assay) and/or PCR can establish diagnosis. Cell culture is possible but not recommended

  • Recommendation 2

    requires BSL3 lab.

How to test

  • Recommendation 1

    Serology antibody tests (commonly indirect immunofluorescence assay) and/or PCR can establish diagnosis. Cell culture is possible but not recommended

  • Recommendation 2

    requires BSL3 lab.

ZebraMD is partnering with Ambry Genetics for clinical-grade whole genome testing for rare diseases. Ambry accepts insurance. If you don’t have a physician to order this test, join our referral list and our team will reach out.

Treatment

  • Recommendation 1

    Mild cases may self-resolve but all patients with detected Q fever should receive antibiotics regardless of symptoms. Doxycycline for 2 weeks is standard therapy. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an alternative in doxycycline allergy. Hydroxychloroquine may be added if patient does not respond to antibiotics.

Primary care

  • Recommendation 1

    Patients with pre-existing valvular disease or who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of chronic Q fever that can include life-threatening endocarditis

  • Recommendation 2

    requires months of antibiotics, typically doxycycline + hydroxychloroquine

  • Recommendation 3

    trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, and rifampin are second-line options. Treatment in pregnancy is complicated

  • Recommendation 4

    use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is recommended.

Further support

  • Recommendation 1

    Consult to Infectious Disease is generally recommended. Referral to Medical Genetics Department, if available. Initial virtual care is also available through organizations like TeleRare Health.

Clinical trials

Clinical Trials

Sources

No data available

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