Treatment options for Q fever: The provided UK guidelines do not specifically address Q fever treatment. However, Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is typically treated with doxycycline as the first-line antibiotic, especially in acute cases. For chronic Q fever, prolonged antibiotic therapy including doxycycline combined with hydroxychloroquine is often recommended in specialist settings. Treatment duration and choice should be guided by clinical severity and specialist advice.
Monitoring progress: Patients treated for Q fever should be monitored clinically for symptom resolution and for potential complications such as endocarditis in chronic cases. Serological testing can be used to monitor antibody titres over time to assess treatment response and detect chronic infection. Regular follow-up with clinical assessment and appropriate laboratory tests is essential.
Since the provided context does not include specific UK guideline recommendations for Q fever, it is advised to refer to infectious disease specialist advice and relevant UK or international guidelines for detailed management and monitoring protocols.