Splenic injury in severe cases of the zoonoses Q fever and rickettsial infection: diagnostic challenges

Abstract

Zoonotic infections account for a small proportion of hospital presentations, even when focusing solely on the eastern states of Australia.1, 2 In rare instances, however, these infections can progress to severe, life‐threatening complications. The cases presented here underscore the importance of including zoonotic infections in the differential diagnosis of patients with unexplained sepsis and maintaining a high index of suspicion for potential complications. Serological testing for zoonotic pathogens can be slow to return results, particularly when sent from regional or remote areas. Given this delay, we recommend continuing empirical treatment when clinical suspicion for a zoonotic infection is high, pending confirmation through diagnostic testing.