[Q fever pericarditis]

Harefuah. 2004 May;143(5):364-7, 390.
[Article in Hebrew]

Abstract

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii--an obligate, gram negative, intracellular bacteria. The term Q (Query) was first used because at the time the disease was named its etiology was unknown. Q fever is divided into acute and chronic infections characterized by different evolution, serological profiles and treatment. Pericarditis, as a manifestation of Q fever is rare and difficult to diagnose. This is due to the following: firstly, the clinical presentation of acute Q fever is pleomorphic, nonspecific and self limited, and secondly, the diagnosis relies on the physician's interest and the presence of a reliable diagnostic laboratory. The objective of that review is to increase the physician's awareness of the clinical presentation of Q fever, to discuss the importance of the diagnosis and laboratory tests and to guide the physician as to when to provide treatment and the relevant patient population to be treated.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Pericarditis / diagnosis
  • Pericarditis / etiology*
  • Q Fever / physiopathology*