What Are The Risk Factors And Complications Of Q Fever?

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is a serious condition where the endocardium or inner heart lining and valve surfaces become infected. Endocarditis occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, and they infect certain cells that circulate throughout the blood. These infected cells tend to attach to the endocardium. This attachment allows the bacteria to grow throughout the heart and results in endocarditis. It is uncommon for an individual who has a healthy heart to develop endocarditis. Those who have damaged heart valves or heart defects are at a considerably higher risk of developing this condition. This mechanism explains why the majority of individuals diagnosed with Q fever already have endocarditis or will develop it. Endocarditis is usually identified with the use of diagnostic imaging tests including an x-ray, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, CT scan, or MRI. This Q fever complication requires intensive antibiotic treatment and surgery in some cases.

Learn more about the complications associated with Q fever now.