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Osteoarticular infection due to Coxiella burnetii in children
J Cottalorda1, J L Jouve, G Bollini
1Service de Chirurgie Infantile, Hôpital Nord, Saint-Etienne, France.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Part B
|January 1, 1995
Abstract:
We report three cases of chronic osteoarticular infections associated with Q fever in children. In two of them, serologic diagnosis was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence of Coxiella burnetii in the synovial and bone biopsy specimen. We suspect that bone infections due to Coxiella burnetii could be underdiagnosed because this etiology is not frequently seen.
Insights
Q fever can cause chronic bone infections in children. Diagnosis is confirmed via Coxiella burnetii detection in biopsies, suggesting this cause may be underdiagnosed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Osteoarticular infections
- Microbiology
Background:
- Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii.
- Chronic osteoarticular infections are serious complications.
- Pediatric Q fever is less commonly reported.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of chronic osteoarticular infections attributed to Q fever were identified.
- Two cases demonstrated serologic confirmation of Coxiella burnetii via immunofluorescence in synovial and bone biopsies.
- Clinical presentation included persistent bone and joint pain and inflammation.
Findings:
- Direct immunofluorescence confirmed Coxiella burnetii in synovial fluid and bone tissue.
- Serological testing supported the diagnosis in the affected children.
- The study highlights the potential for Q fever to cause chronic bone infections in pediatric patients.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that Q fever should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pediatric osteoarticular infections.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for Coxiella burnetii are warranted in pediatric rheumatology and infectious disease settings.
- Further research is needed to understand the pathogenesis and optimize management strategies for Q fever-related bone infections in children.