Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii
Published on: April 18, 2016
Antimicrobial therapies for Q fever
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop G13, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA +1 404 639 1028 +1 404 718 2116 gkersh@cdc.gov.
Abstract:
Q fever is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and has both acute and chronic forms. The acute disease is a febrile illness often with headache and myalgia that can be self-limiting, whereas the chronic disease typically presents as endocarditis and can be life threatening. The normal therapy for the acute disease is a 2 week course of doxycycline, whereas chronic disease requires 18-24 months of doxycycline in combination with hydroxychloroquine. Alternative treatments are used for pregnant women, young children and those who cannot tolerate doxycycline. Doxycycline resistance is rare, but has been reported. Co-trimoxazole is a currently recommended alternative treatment, but quinolones, rifampin and newer macrolides may also provide some benefit.
Related Concept Videos
Treating Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcers: Antimicrobial Therapy
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing

