Autoimmune Manifestations of Acute Q Fever Infection. Issue 6 (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hassoun-Kheir, Nasreen; Shasha, David; Hayek, Tony; Hussein, Khetam
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Volume 26:Issue 6(2018:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: q fever -- autoimmune -- antiphospholipid -- glucocorticoids; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0000000000000629
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-9103

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Q fever is nearly a worldwide zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is endemic in Israel. Acute infection mostly presents as a self-limited febrile illness, and occasionally involves respiratory or hepatic disease. Immune reactivation in the setting of acute illness was previously reported as well as various infectious positive cross-reactive serologic tests during the course of disease. Other autoimmune manifestation is infectious-type antiphospholipid syndrome linked to acute Q fever. Herein, we report a case of acute Q fever–related antiphospholipid syndrome with features resembling systemic lupus erythematosus treated successfully with corticosteroids. We review the literature and discuss the present state of knowledge on the link between Q fever and autoimmunity, aiming to raise clinicians' awareness of this possible rare presentation of the disease. Abstract : A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose acute Q fever infection with autoimmune manifestations. Glucocorticoids may be useful for treatment.