Q Fever – SP Medifort Hospital

Q Fever Treatment

Q Fever Treatment In Trivandrum

Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, commonly transmitted to humans from infected animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The infection can be acute or chronic and primarily affects the lungs, liver, or heart.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Q Fever?

Symptoms can vary and may appear 2–3 weeks after exposure:

Cough.
High fever.
Headache.
Muscle aches.
Sweats or chills.
Diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting.
Clay-colored stools.
Jaundice.
Abdominal pain
Shortness of breath

What causes Q Fever?

Q fever is caused by exposure to Coxiella burnetii bacteria, often found in:

Animal Products: Contact with birth fluids, urine, feces, or milk of infected animals.
Inhalation: Breathing in contaminated dust from animal environments.
Ticks: Rarely, transmission can occur through tick bites.

Diagnosis of Q Fever

At our hospital, Q fever is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and advanced laboratory and imaging tests to ensure accurate detection and timely treatment:

Medical History and Physical Exam: Our physicians carefully assess the patient’s symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and respiratory issues, and review potential exposure to livestock, farm environments, or unpasteurized animal products. This helps identify individuals at risk and guides further testing.
Blood Tests: Blood samples are analyzed to detect antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, the bacterium responsible for Q Fever. Serological testing can confirm acute or chronic infection and help monitor the patient’s response to treatment.
PCR Testing: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is performed to detect bacterial DNA in the blood. This method allows early and highly sensitive identification of Q Fever, even before antibodies are fully developed.
Imaging Tests: If the infection involves the lungs or heart, imaging tests such as chest X-rays or echocardiography are used. These tests help evaluate complications like pneumonia, endocarditis, or liver involvement, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.

What are the Q Fever risk factors?

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of contracting Q fever or developing complications:

Occupational Exposure: Farmers, veterinarians, and livestock workers are at higher risk from contact with infected animals or contaminated fluids.
Living Near Farms: Proximity to livestock increases exposure to contaminated dust or aerosols.
Weakened Immunity: People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to severe infection.
Heart Conditions: Pre-existing heart valve or vascular issues increase the risk of chronic complications.
Pregnancy: Infection can lead to pregnancy-related complications and a higher risk of chronic disease.

What treatment options are available for Q Fever?

Our hospital provides comprehensive care to manage acute and chronic Q Fever:

Medications: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Q fever. Doxycycline is the first-choice medicine for acute cases, effectively eliminating the infection. In chronic Q fever, which can affect the heart or liver, a combination of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is often prescribed for several months to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent complications.

Supportive Care: Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help relieve fatigue, fever, and discomfort, supporting faster recovery.

Advanced Care: Severe Q fever cases may require hospitalization for IV antibiotics and close monitoring. Follow-up tests and imaging help ensure recovery and detect potential chronic complications early.