Abstract

The case of a 56-year-old man from Bangalore diagnosed with Q fever endocarditis is presented here, patient with background history of Diabetes and Hypertension had presented with history of on and off fever for 15 days. Physical examination revealed tachycardia, temperature of 101-degree F with positive hills sign and EDM in aortic area, with the above features prompted an investigation for endocarditis, which was initially negative. Markedly positive serology was seen for Q fever which established the diagnosis. The patient was started with antibiotics directed against Coxiella burnetii.. It highlights the nonspecific nature of the presenting symptoms, and emphasizes the use of serology for diagnosing endocarditis suspected patients who are culture negative. Coxiella burnetti serology should be sent to all patients with culture negative endocarditis, especially in immunocompromised and patients with pre-existing valvular pathology which help in early diagnosis and treatment thus it will decrease the mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: Coxiella Burnetti, Q fever Endocarditis, Culture negative endocarditis