Coxiella burnetii as a possible cause of endocarditis in a 7-year old boy
Beaufort-Krol, G.C.; Van Leeuwen, G.H.; Storm, C.J.; Richardus, J.H.; Dumas, A.M.; Schaap, G.J.
Tijdschrift Voor Kindergeneeskunde 53(4): 153-157
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-7442 PMID: 4082171 Document Number: 266613
The case-history of a 7-year-old boy with endocarditis, myocarditis and pericarditis, possibly caused by Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever), is presented. As far as we know only one case of Q-fever endocarditis in a child is previously described in literature. That child had, contrary to our patient, a pre-existing valve abnormality. Q-fever was diagnosed after demonstration of a significant rise in titer of the antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in both the IgM and the IgG fractions. IgA antibodies, indicative for an endocarditis, were also demonstrated.