Q fever (late)

Definition:

A chronic or relapsing condition that can develop after Q fever.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Q fever is caused by the organism Coxiella burnetii. This organism primarily lives in domestic animals (cattle, sheep, and goats), cats, wild animals, and ticks.

Hepatitis or pneumonia may develop in early disease. Late Q fever involves a relapse of the initial infection, or the infection may become chronic (persistent). Inflammation of the aortic heart valve may occur, causing endocarditis as a rare complication.