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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.

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Section 3. Summaries of Infectious Diseases

Q Fever

Clinical Manifestations
Etiology
Epidemiology
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
Isolation of the Hospitalized Patient
Control Measures

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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 months to 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 can 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 elevated, but jaundice is rare. Rash is rarely observed. 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 ill patients and manifests as endocarditis in patients with underlying heart disease or prosthetic valves, vascular aneurysms, or vascular grafts. Hepatitis is another common manifestation. Both acute and chronic Q fever may manifest as fever of undetermined origin. Although acute Q fever rarely is fatal, chronic Q fever can be . . . [Go to Full Text]


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