Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 21, 2025

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4
09:29

Induction of Paralysis and Visual System Injury in Mice by T Cells Specific for Neuromyelitis Optica Autoantigen Aquaporin-4

Published on: August 21, 2017

11.7K

Peripheral nervous system involvement in Q fever

F Martínez-Dubarbie1, M Rollán-Martínez-Herrera2

  • 1Neurology Service, 'Marqués de Valdecilla' University Hospital, Santander, Spain. dubarmar@hotmail.com.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|September 6, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Q fever, a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, can rarely affect the peripheral nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial due to potential neurological sequelae.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Zoonoses

Background:

  • Q fever is a globally distributed zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.
  • Acute Q fever commonly presents with fever, headache, pneumonia, or hepatitis.
  • Neurological manifestations are uncommon, with peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement occurring in about 1% of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and consolidate reported cases of peripheral nervous system involvement in Q fever.
  • To provide clinicians with a concise overview of diagnosis and management strategies for Q fever-related PNS disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of patients with peripheral nervous system involvement due to Coxiella burnetii.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Peripheral nervous system involvement in Q fever presents with diverse manifestations, including mononeuritis multiplex, plexopathy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Diagnosis can be challenging due to the varied clinical presentations.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to mitigate the risk of significant neurological sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral nervous system involvement is a rare but serious complication of Q fever.
  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Q fever in patients presenting with unexplained neurological deficits.
  • Effective management strategies are vital to improve patient outcomes and prevent long-term disability.
Keywords:
Coxiella burnetiiGuillain Barre syndromeInfectious diseasePeripheral nervous systemQ fever

More Related Videos

Generation and Multi-phenotypic High-content Screening of Coxiella burnetii Transposon Mutants11:44

Generation and Multi-phenotypic High-content Screening of Coxiella burnetii Transposon Mutants

Published on: May 13, 2015

10.2K
The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii07:27

The Development of Lyophilized Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification Reagents for the Detection of Coxiella burnetii

Published on: April 18, 2016

10.6K

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves01:24

Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
3.3K
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
75
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
49
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
54
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
2.1K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
1.1K