The First Case in Japan of a Patient Developing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after Treatment for Bronchial Asthma Arising from Coxiella burnetii Infection

摘要

Introduction: In Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) infections, recent years have seen reports of a condition called post Q-fever syndrome resembling chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), featuring various nonspecific symptoms.Case: A 32-year-old woman had developed bronchial asthma 18 months before she came to our hospital, and we were able to confirm C. burnetii infection. Seven months after beginning treatment, she was able to return to work, but approximately 5 months later she was overcome with general fatigue. We again confirmed C. burnetii infection and recommenced antibiotic treatment. Since then, her general fatigue is severe and she is now unable to work and we determined that her condition is CFS.Conclusion: The present case is the first attested case in Japan in which QFS reappeared, after first appearing to have been cured, and developed into CFS.