Ehrlichiosis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:52, 19 July 2016

Bacterial infection of the family Anaplasmataceae common in mammals such as cattle, dogs, sheep, goats, and horses^[1]
Spread by the Lonestar tick (Amblyomma americanum)
- Eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine and as far west as Iowa and Texas
- People often unaware they are bitten with case fatality rate of approximately 1.8%^[2]
- More severe disease in immunocompromised patients (HIV, Elderly, Asplenic)

Lone Star Tick (preserved

Fever, chills, headache, malaise, myalgias, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, conjunctival injection
- Up to 60% of children may have a rash (30% of adults)

Peripheral blood smear^[3]
Obligate intracellular organism
- Smear shows intracellular parasites only 20% of time
PCR
- Most sensitive in first week of illness
Indirect Immunoflorescence Assay'
- Gold Standard
- Negative 85% of time in first 7 days of illness
- Compare 2 samples drawn at different times
- 4 fold increase in titers of second draw is positive
Enzyme Immunoassay
- Qualitative tests, not quantitative
Leukopenia, elevated transaminases, thrombocytopenia often present

Authors:

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 ===Doxycycline===
 *Adults: 100mg PO/IV BID x 14 days
-*Children: (under 45 kg): 2.2 mg/kg body weight twice a day
+*Children: (under 45 kg): 2.2mg/kg body weight twice a day
 ==Disposition==