Targeted Screening for Chronic Q Fever, the Netherlands

Abstract

A pproximately 2% of patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic Coxiella burnetii infections show development of chronic Q fever (1). Chronic Q fever can manifest itself even years after the initial infection, mainly as endocarditis or vascular infection. The main risk factors for development of chronic Q fever are heart valve disorders, aortic aneurysms, vascular prosthesis, or an immunocompromised state. Chronic Q fever can cause potentially life-threatening complications and has a high mortality rate (2). Therefore, timely detection and treatment for patients who have chronic infections are essential.