EHRLICHIOSIS, HUMAN

Ehrlichiosis, human, is the general concept for diseases caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, or E. muris eauclairensis. These bacteria are typically transmitted to humans by biting infected ticks such as the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis).

Muscle aches, chills, fever, headache, and sometimes an upset stomach are common symptoms of ehrlichiosis, human. Doxycycline is the preferred therapy for ehrlichiosis in adults and children of all ages.

Avoiding tick bites is the best approach to avoid these diseases. Tick repellents, thorough body checks after being outdoors, and effective tick removal are your best lines of protection against tick-borne infections.

SYMPTOMS

The ehrlichiosis, human symptoms, which vary greatly from person to person, include:

  • Chills
  • Muscle pains or aches
  • Joint pain
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Appetite loss
  • Moderate fever
  • Headache
  • A general feeling of being unwell
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash

DIAGNOSIS

Tick-borne infections are difficult to identify based on signs and symptoms since they are similar to many other prevalent conditions. As a result, a history of a known tick bite or probable tick exposure is essential in establishing a diagnosis. Your doctor will also do a physical examination and prescribe tests.

Blood testing will most likely reveal the following findings if you have ehrlichiosis, human:

  • High liver enzymes suggest faulty liver function
  • Decreased platelet cell count, which is required for blood clotting
  • Low white blood cell count, which is a measure of the immune system’s ability to fight illness

Blood tests may also identify a tick-borne illness by identifying one of the following:

  • Antibodies against microorganisms produced by your immune system
  • Specific genes unique to the bacteria

TREATMENT

If your doctor suspects or diagnoses ehrlichiosis, human based on your symptoms and clinical findings, you will begin treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline.

You will begin taking the medications at least three days after your fever has subsided and your doctor has noted improvement in other sickness symptoms. The minimal duration of therapy is five to seven days. Very severe illnesses may need antibiotic therapy for two to three weeks.

If you are pregnant or have an allergy to doxycycline, your doctor may prescribe rifampin.

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