Human Ehrlichiosis

Your Path

  • Human Ehrlichiosis

Etiology

  • Obligate intracellular bacteria
  • Tick (lone star) borne

Risk Factors

  • Endemic South Eastern, South Central and Eastern US
  • More severe if immunocompromised by meds, disease (eg. HIV), or s/p splenectomy

Symptoms

  • Incubation 1-2w
  • F
  • Ha
  • N
  • V
  • Myalgias
  • Often causes BM suppression
  • Occasional rash (< 30% adults; 60% kids)

Physical Exam Findings

  • Fever
  • Often severe illness
  • Conjunctival injection
  • Sometimes maculopapular and/or petechial skin eruption

Tests

Links