Acute Q fever and pulmonary tuberculosis in pediatric age: a case report

Abstract

In pediatric age groups, fever of unknown origin composes a diagnostic challenge due to its multiple possible etiologies. A high percentage of those cases is caused by infections. In this article, we describe the clinical case of an adolescent with atypical pneumonia caused by simultaneous infection of Coxiella burnetti and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In children, tuberculosis is a known cause of prolonged fever and high mortality. Diagnosis of Q fever is less prevalent, but its importance has been highly increasing. The clinical picture outlined here improved after pursuing the treatment for acute Q fever. Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize the importance of identification and treatment for both infections. This association is rare since this is the third case reported in the literature and the first one in pediatric age.

Keywords

• Fever of unknown origin. Pediatrics. Q Fever. Tuberculosis. Zoonoses. Case reports.