What Is a Fever of Unknown Origin?

A fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a fever of at least 101 degrees

Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) that either lasts for more than three
weeks or occurs frequently without explanation. Even though a doctor
cannot initially determine the cause of the fever, a diagnosis of FUO is a
step toward finding a cure.
Types of Fever of Unknown Origin
There are four classifications of FUO: classic, nosocomial, immunedeficient, and HIV-associated.
Classic FUO affects previously healthy people. It is defined as an
unexplained fever that lasts for three weeks. Infection or
neoplasms such as leukemia may cause classic FUO. Other
disorders, such as diseases that affect connective tissue, can also
be the cause.

People with nosocomial FUO appear to acquire fever as a result of

hospitalization. They are admitted for a reason other than fever
and then begin to run an unexplained fever. Common causes
include pulmonary embolism, septic thrombophlebitis,
enterocolitis, and sinusitis.

Immune-deficient FUO occurs in people with compromised

immune systems. This puts them at an increased risk of infection.
This can occur because of chemotherapy treatment.

HIV itself can cause fevers. In addition, HIV makes a patient

susceptible to infections that may cause fevers.

What Causes a Fever of Unknown Origin?

FUO has four primary types of causes. Recognizing the type of FUO
helps a physician determine its cause. Each type of cause includes
multiple conditions.
infections: tuberculosis, mononucleosis, Lyme disease, cat
scratch fever, and others
inflammations: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel
disease, and others
malignancies: lymphoma, leukemia, pancreatic carcinoma, other
cancers, and sarcomas
miscellaneous: fevers that are caused by drug use or abuse, are
the result of hyperthyroidism or hepatitis, or dont fit into other
categories.
A patient with a FUO will be given a variety of clinical tests to narrow
down the FUOs classification. Diagnosis of the FUO can be useful in
drawing attention to an otherwise undiagnosed condition.
Treatment
Treatment for a FUO varies greatly and depends on the underlying
cause. In about 30 percent of cases, the patient is discharged without a
definitive diagnosis. In many such cases, FUO resolves itself in time.
Physicians agree that the most effective treatment for a fever is to
address its underlying cause, such as through the administration of
antibiotics. Also, because a fever helps the immune system fight
infection, it usually should be allowed to run its course. Drugs to lower
fever (antipyretics) can be given if a patient (particularly a child) is
uncomfortable.

Prognosis
Most fevers caused by infection end as soon as the immune system rids
the body of the pathogen and do not produce any lasting effects. The
prognosis for fevers associated with more chronic conditions, such as
autoimmune disease, depends upon the overall outcome of the
disorder.