Q Fever and Auto-immunity
Q Fever and Auto-immunity
The IHU Mediterranean infection is national reference centre for Q fever. Coxiella burnetii
 is the bacteria responsible of this infection. The bacterium Coxiella burnetii infection is
 associated with secretion by the body both many antibodies against the bacteria but also
 against certain cells of the body (autoantibodies). These autoantibodies may have no effect
 or be associated with specific symptoms. Anti-Phospholipid antibodies are especially
 prevalent in the Q fever. Apart from this infection, they are associated with
 thrombocytopenia, obstetric complications, thrombosis and heart valve damage. These
 conditions have also been described as complications during Q fever. In a retrospective
 preliminary work on Q fever, we have shown that the presence of high levels of IgG
 anti-cardiolipin was associated with the presence of valvular and the evolution to
 endocarditis. Such associations have a therapeutic involvement and must therefore be
 confirmed. Indeed, if these associations were confirmed, a trans-esophageal ultrasound could
 be systematically proposed to patients with valvular disease of trans-thoracique ultrasound
 but IgG anticardiolipin high levels. Other special attention could be given to patients with
 high autoantibodies.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with a current or former Q fever diagnosis

 -  Patient > or = 18 years old.

 -  Patient who does not declined to have his medical records reviewed for research.

 -  Patient with health insurance.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Minor patient (<18 years )

 -  Adult patient under guardianship .

 -  Patient deprived of liberty or judgment.

 -  Patient refusing to sign the informed consent form .