Ehrlichiosis Anaplasmosis

Template:Helvetica Spotted Fever Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ilan Dock, B.S.

Overview

Ehrlichiosis diseases are caused by the Ehrlichial species of bacteria, E. chaffeensis, E.muris, and E. ewingii. The Ehrlichial bacteria that cause human infection are most often transmitted by the lone star tick (amblyomma americanum.) The disease begins with an incubation period of 1-2 weeks post inoculation, followed by typical disease symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches). Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation of symptoms, especially if a recent tick bite is noted. Confirmation of the disease may be done with laboratory testing. Doxycycline is often the first line treatment for individuals of all ages.