Ehrlichiosis ewingii infection[1] is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular bacteria, Ehrlichia ewingii.[2] The infection is transmitted to humans by the tick, Amblyomma americanum. This tick can also transmit Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the bacteria that causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME).
Human ewingii ehrlichiosis | |
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Specialty | Infectious disease |
Patients can present with fever, headache, myalgias, and malaise. Laboratory tests may reveal thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and evidence of liver damage.[citation needed]
Humans contract the disease after a bite by an infected tick of the species Amblyomma americanum.[citation needed] Those with an underlying immunodeficiency (such as HIV) appear to be at greater risk of contracting the disease. Compared to HME, ewingii ehrlichiosis has a decreased incidence of complications.[3]
Like Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the causative agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, Ehrlichia ewingii infects neutrophils. Infection with E. ewingii may delay neutrophil apoptosis.[4]
In endemic areas, a high index of suspicion is warranted, especially with a known exposure to ticks. The diagnosis can be confirmed by using PCR.[5] A peripheral blood smear can also be examined for intracytoplasmic inclusions called morulae.[citation needed]
The treatment of choice is doxycycline.[citation needed]