[Febrile state, headache and arthralgia].

A 38-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with complaints of persistent fever up to 40 degrees C, arthralgias, headache and a nonproductive cough. The white-cell count was within the normal range but was markedly shifted to the left and demonstrated toxic granulations. Sonographic examination of the abdomen revealed a slight enlargement of the spleen. A nonspecific reactive hepatitis which was clinically asymptomatic was detected by laboratory evaluation. Diagnosis of an acute Q fever was made by demonstration of antibodies against C. burnetii. Following therapy with doxycycline, the patient became afebrile within 48 hours.