Other rare clinical syndromes including endocarditis, an inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity, have been reported. Laboratory tests for Q fever measure antibodies that circulate in the blood. Antibodies are protective substances that the body produces in defense against infectious diseases. Q fever can be diagnosed in patients who develop these antibodies in their blood following a period of unexplained feverish illness. The antibiotic tetracycline is often used to treat Q fever.
Patients usually recover promptly when treatment is started without delay.
Q fever is an occupational concern for workers who have contact with animals, animal products, or animal waste. Farm livestock, laboratory animals, and pets however can pick up Q fever directly from other infected animals or from contaminated surroundings. Q fever is a special concern with pregnant animals, especially around the time they give birth or abort because of the disease. In pregnant animals, the Q fever microbe builds up to enormous numbers in certain tissues and fluids. Studies show that one gram of placenta from an infected sheep can contain over one billion Q fever microbes.