Q fever endocarditis in Iran: A case report

Summary: In this report, we describe the first chronic case of Q fever endocarditis in a 72-year-old woman in Iran. The patient developed radiation-associated heart disease status post (s/p) coronary artery bypass surgery, mitral and aortic valve replacements, and tricuspid valve repair. Endocarditis was also suspected due to a history of heart valve surgery. Blood cultures were negative, but a diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis was confirmed based on serologic titers (IgG phase I 1:32,768). The patient was treated with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine. Keywords: Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, Endocarditis, Female, Iran