The following text is from an archived Red Book® edition and may not reflect current recommendations or information. To view the current edition, click here.
Section 3. Summaries of Infectious Diseases
Q Fever
Clinical Manifestations
Etiology
Epidemiology
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
Isolation of the Hospitalized Patient
Control Measures
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS: Although up to 60% of initial infections are asymptomatic, disease attributable to Q fever occurs in 2 distinct forms: acute, which typically follows initial exposure; and chronic, which occurs years after acute infection. Acute Q fever usually is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, chills, weakness, headache, anorexia, and other nonspecific systemic symptoms. Weight loss and weakness can be pronounced. Cough and chest pain accompany pneumonia, which occurs in 20% to 40% of patients. Hepatitis is found in 40% to 60% of patients, and serum transaminase concentrations commonly are abnormal, but jaundice is rare. Rash is rare and nonspecific in character. The illness typically lasts 1 to 4 weeks and then resolves gradually. Life-threatening complications of acute infection, such as meningoencephalitis and myocarditis, occur rarely. Chronic Q fever occurs in approximately 1% of acutely infected patients and manifests as endocarditis in patients with underlying heart disease or prosthetic valves, vascular aneurysms, or vascular grafts. Hepatitis is another common manifestation. Q fever may manifest as fever of undetermined origin. Although acute Q
Top
Next
Related text in Red Book:
         |
| Site Requirements | Privacy Policy | Core Values, Vision, and Mission Statement | ||
| The recommendations in this online publication do not indicate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate. | ||
| Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics |  |
|
