Serologic detection of a rare case of Q fever in New York City having hepatic and unusual renal complications

Abstract

We describe the case of a 46-year-old resident of New York City with a one-year history of frequent urination and 3 weeks of undulating fevers. He also had liver and bone marrow abnormalities where a non-culturable Gram-negative rod was identified. Q fever was suspected and confirmed based on highly elevated phase I and II serum IgM/IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii.

Q Fever in Unexplained Febrile Illness in Northern Algeria

“…Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, a worldwide disease that is mainly reported in Australia and various European countries, notably France [1]. Q fever is most often contracted after humans inhale infected dust particles or handle infected animal tissues, such as urine, feces or birth products [2].…”

A case of multifocal chronic Q fever osteomyelitis

“…This disease is reportable in the USA, but not in France. It is responsible for acute and chronic forms distinguished by their clinical expression, temporal course and serological profiles [1][2][3]. Due to host factors, infection may become chronic in 1-5% of the cases [3,4].…”

Coxiella burnetii causing haemophagocytic syndrome: a rare complication of an unusual pathogen

“…Clinical manifestations can range from asymptomatic seroconversion to non-specific febrile reactions, with varying degrees of pneumonia or hepatitis. Many other organ systems may be affected, with neurological, osteoarticular, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine and cutaneous complications described [2,[4][5][6]. A small proportion of cases will develop chronic disease with life-threatening complications, such as endocarditis [7].…”