What Is New With Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichia species, which are transmitted by ticks, may cause human monocytotrophic ehrlichiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Symptoms of infection include fever, headache, myalgia, progressive leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings, although serological tests can identify the specific infectious ehrlichial organism. Tick repellents, particularly permethrin, can help prevent tick bites and lower the risk of infection by tick-borne pathogens. Tetracycline antibiotics are therapeutic for treatment of ehrlichial infections. [Infect Med. 2008;25:425-429]