Coxiella burnetii Endocarditis: A Case Report

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium <i>Coxiella burnetii (C. </i> <i>burnetii)</i>, with goats, sheep, and cattle as the main reservoirs. Transmission to humans mainly occurs via inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Q fever can be acute or chronic, with infective endocarditis being the most common manifestation of the latter. It can be challenging to diagnose given the variety of clinical manifestations, and is usually diagnosed with the aid of serological tests. <i>C. </i> <i>burnetii</i> endocarditis is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality rate, and it is essential to make a rapid diagnosis of the condition in order to start targeted therapy as soon as possible. Treatment is based on antibiotic therapy, and surgical intervention may be necessary. We report a case of asymptomatic Q fever endocarditis and describe its diagnostic course, treatment, and follow-up.