Treatment:

Treatment with antibiotics can shorten the length of the illness. Antibiotics that are commonly used include tetracycline and doxycycline. Tetracycline given by mouth should not be used by children whose teeth are still forming, because it can permanently discolor growing teeth.

Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery occurs even without treatment. However, complications can be very serious and sometimes even life threatening. It is recommended that this disorder be treated any time it is recognized as the cause of symptoms.

Complications:

• Infection returns
• Endocarditis (infection of heart valves)
• Chronic hepatitis (liver infection)
• Encephalitis (brain infection)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Pneumonia (lung infection)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of Q fever develop.

Call if you have been treated for this disorder and symptoms return, or if new symptoms develop.