Chronic Q fever: Review of the literature and a proposal of new diagnostic criteria

A review was performed to determine clinical aspects and diagnostic tools for chronic Q fever. We present a Dutch guideline based on literature and clinical experience with chronic Q fever patients in The Netherlands so far. In this guideline diagnosis is categorized as proven, possible or probable chronic infection based on serology, PCR, clinical symptoms, risk factors and diagnostic imaging. (C) 2011 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.