Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
Published on: March 1, 2024
[Thrombotic microangiopathy with anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies revealing an acute Q fever]
N Morel1, E Berthoux, B Colombe
1Clinique de médecine interne, hôpital Michallon, CHU de Grenoble, BP 217, 38043 Grenoble cedex 09, France. NMorel1@chu-grenoble.fr
Introduction:
Q fever can commonly mimic systemic diseases, leading to several immunological manifestations. Thrombotic micro-angiopathies manifest as a spectrum of related disorders in the form of thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Case Report:
We report a 77-year-old woman, who presented an acquired thrombotic microangiopathy with renal expression associated with the presence of anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies, which occurred during an acute infection by Coxiella burnetii (acute Q fever).
Conclusion:
Auto-immune disorders are well-known in chronic or acute Q fever but to our knowledge, this is the first reported observation of thrombotic microangiopathy with anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies.
Insights
This study reports the first case of thrombotic microangiopathy with anti-ADAMTS 13 antibodies during acute Q fever. This rare autoimmune complication highlights the diverse immunological manifestations of Coxiella burnetii infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, can mimic systemic diseases and cause immunological issues.
- Thrombotic microangiopathies include conditions like thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Endocarditis III: Medical Management