Overview
Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are both tick-borne infections caused by rickettsial-like bacteria. These illnesses share similar symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and headache. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis:
- Caused by various species of Ehrlichia bacteria.
- The primary carrier is the Lone Star tick, found in south-central, southeastern, and eastern coastal states.
- Symptoms are usually more severe in ehrlichiosis.
- Anaplasmosis:
- Caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
- Carried primarily by deer ticks in the Upper Midwest, northeastern states, and central Canadian provinces.
- Also carried by the Western black-legged tick in Western coastal states and other tick species in Europe and Asia.
Causes of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Ehrlichiosis:
- Transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
- Other modes of transmission include blood transfusions, mother-to-fetus, and direct contact with infected animals.
- Anaplasmosis:
- Primarily carried by deer ticks.
- Also transmitted by other tick species.
Risk Factors of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Being outdoors in warm weather during spring and summer months.
- Living in or visiting areas with a high tick population.
Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
Let’s break down the symptoms of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis in a concise, pointwise format:1. Symptoms of Ehrlichiosis:: Moderate Fever: Patients often experience a persistent fever, which may be accompanied by chills.
Headache: Intense headaches are common.
Muscle Aches or Pains: Pain and discomfort in muscles and joints.
General Malaise: A feeling of being unwell, fatigue, and weakness.
Joint Pain: Pain and inflammation in the joints.
Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
Confusion or Mental Changes (more common in severe cases).
Rash (rare but possible).
2. Symptoms of Anaplasmosis:: Fever: High fever is a hallmark symptom.
Chills: Patients may experience sudden chills.
Headache: Intense and persistent headaches.
Muscle Aches: Pain in muscles and joints.
General Malaise: Similar to ehrlichiosis, patients feel unwell.
Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms.
Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat.
Preventions of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Tick Repellents: Use tick repellents when outdoors.
- Thorough Body Checks: Inspect your body for ticks after being outside.
- Proper Tick Removal: Remove ticks promptly and correctly.
Diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Patient history
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Liver function tests
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- Indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA).
Treatment for Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis
- Antibiotic treatment with doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, others).
When to seek medical attention ?
- If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or possible exposure to ticks, seek medical attention promptly.
