Disseminated intravascular coagulation as the laboratory hallmark of acute Q fever.

A 37-y-old white male presented with high fever, constitutional symptoms, mild meningeal and pulmonary involvement. Laboratory investigation revealed thrombocytopenia and excessive prolongation of coagulation times (International normalized ratio-INR- up to 6) requiring transfusion with 14 units of fresh frozen plasma. Serology established acute Coxiella burnetti infection. Patient recovered on levofloxacin.