1932

Abstract

Human ehrlichioses are tick-borne infections caused by bacteria in the genus . Human monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by an agent similar to infects mononuclear phagocytes and is transmitted by Lone Star ticks () found in the south central and eastern United States. The agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis infects mostly neutrophils, is transmitted by species ticks, and occurs mostly in the upper midwest and northeast United States. Despite the undifferentiated presentation of both ehrlichioses with fever, headache, myalgias, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzyme activities, the diagnostic methods are distinct. Occasional severe complications include meningoencephalitis, adult respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and opportunistic infections. Immunocompromised patients are at high risk for death. An adverse outcome is associated with delayed diagnosis and therapy; thus, empirical treatment is advocated. Treatment with doxycycline usually results in prompt defervescence and cure.

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/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.49.1.201
1998-02-01
2024-03-28
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/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.med.49.1.201
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  • Article Type: Review Article
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