Ehrlichiosis ewingii infection
| Human ewingii ehrlichiosis | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
Ehrlichiosis ewingii infection
Symptoms and signs
Patients can present with fever, headache, myalgias, and malaise. Laboratory tests may reveal thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and evidence of liver damage.[citation needed]
Mechanism
Humans contract the disease after a bite by an infected tick of the species Amblyomma americanum.[citation needed] Those with an underlying immunodeficiency (such as HIV) appear to be at greater risk of contracting the disease. Compared to HME, ewingii ehrlichiosis has a decreased incidence of complications.[3]
Like
Diagnosis
In endemic areas, a high index of suspicion is warranted, especially with a known exposure to ticks. The diagnosis can be confirmed by using PCR.[5] A peripheral blood smear can also be examined for intracytoplasmic inclusions called morulae.[citation needed]
Treatment
The treatment of choice is doxycycline.[citation needed]
See also
- Human monocytic ehrlichiosis
- Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis
- Ehrlichiosis (canine)
References
- ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
- PMID 19574488.
- PMID 11568857.
- PMID 18462160.
- PMID 11682500.