The Prognostic Value of Serology in Persistent Q Fever Infection

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Background:Q fever has significant consequences for patients with persistent localized infection. A combination of doxycycline with hydroxychloroquine, for at least 18–24 months, is the first-line therapy. The use of serology as a prognostic marker during therapy is controversial. Methods:A retrospective, observational cohort study in two outpatient clinics in northern Israel. All adults with persistent Q fever (2015–2021) were included in the study. Clinical failure was defined as relapse or death related to Q fever after end of treatment (EOT). Serological cure was defined as phase 1 IgG ≤800 or a four-fold decrease at EOT. Results:Twenty-two patients were included in the study, with a median follow up of 40 months (IQR = 28.5–63.5), and median treatment duration of 28.5 months (IQR = 21.8–50.5). Clinical cure occurred in 18 patients (82%), serological cure in 10 (45%). Phase 1 IgG at presentation was significantly higher in the clinical failure group (median 9600 vs. 3200 in the clinical cure group, p = 0.019), and at 6–12 months after EOT (median 6400 vs. 800 respectively, p = 0.03). Phase 1 IgG levels at 1 year and EOT were similar in both groups. Positive phase 2 IgM after one year of therapy correlated with clinical failure (p = 0.038), but not at EOT or after EOT. Conclusion:Phase 1 IgG levels at presentation, phase 2 IgM at 1 year, and Phase 1 IgG 6–12 months after EOT were associated with clinical failure in patients with persistent Q fever.

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