What Are The Risk Factors And Complications Of Q Fever?

Meningitis

Meningitis is a complication that develops in some patients affected by Q fever. Meningitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the meninges, which are the thin, fragile membranes that surround the tissues of the spinal cord and brain. When Coxiella burnettii enters an individual's bloodstream, it begins to infect several parts of the body, resulting in Q fever. The bacteria can also make its way to the regions of the spinal cord and brain. Once there, the bacteria enters into the cerebral spinal fluid, and it begins to multiply and colonize. This infection in the brain and spinal cord area causes meningitis or inflammation of the meninges. Bacterial meningitis is a serious complication of Q fever that requires immediate treatment with powerful intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids. Any infected pockets around the meninges may be drained to relieve the pressure they are placing on the nearby tissues of the brain.