Difficult management of pediatric acute Q fever

Abstract Introduction: Q fever, a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetti, is relatively rare in the pediatric population. The disease is often asymptomatic or with mild clinical presentation in children. Case report: A four-year-old boy with persistent fever, severe anemia, and positive IgM for Coxiel...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Figueiredo,Rafael Costa (author)
Other Authors: Monteiro,Diana R. (author), Rebelo,Ana Isabel (author), Azevedo,Ana (author), Oliveira,Sara Freitas de (author), Tavares,Susana (author)
Format: report
Language:eng
Published: 2021
Subjects:
Online Access:http://scielo.pt/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0872-07542021000300179
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:scielo:S0872-07542021000300179
Description
Summary:Abstract Introduction: Q fever, a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetti, is relatively rare in the pediatric population. The disease is often asymptomatic or with mild clinical presentation in children. Case report: A four-year-old boy with persistent fever, severe anemia, and positive IgM for Coxiella burnetti was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and azithromycin, with no improvement. After polymerase chain reaction confirmation, he completed 14 days of doxycycline, with good response. After eleven months, the child remains asymptomatic. Discussion: Despite having a usually mild presentation, the severe clinical progression and lack of response to initial antibiotic therapy in this case prompt the use of doxycycline, a non-consensual drug in younger ages, with good results. New recommendations endorse the use of this drug for short periods at any age.