Tache Noire in a Patient with Acute Q Fever

Abstract

Objective: To describe a rare case of acute Q fever with tache noire.

Clinical presentation and intervention: A 51-year-old man experienced acute Q fever showing tache noire, generally considered a pathognomonic sign of Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) and MSF-like illness, but not a clinical feature of Q fever. The patient was treated with doxycycline 100 mg every 12 h.

Conclusion: In the Mediterranean area, tache noire should be considered pathognomonic of MSF but it should not rule out Q fever. Clinical diagnosis should be supported by accurate laboratory diagnostic tests to guide proper management.

Keywords: Mediterranean spotted fever; Q fever; Tache noire.