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Iowa Lyme Disease Network |
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Iowa Lyme Disease Network |
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Tick borne Co-infectionsCo-infection could represent a major potential problem, mainly because the ticks that transmit B. burgdorferi often carry—and simultaneously transmit—other emerging pathogens such as Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) species, the causative agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), and Babesia microti, which causes babesiosis. Other tick borne illnesses in the U.S. are Tickborne Relapsing Fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, STARI (Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness), Bartonella, and Q-fever. Co-infection by some or all of these other infectious agents may interfere with the clinical diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis and/or adversely influence host defense mechanisms, thereby altering landmark characteristics of the disease and the severity of infection. For example, studies recently conducted indicate that co-infection with HGE increases the severity of Lyme borreliosis. A very large percentage of patients with chronic Lyme disease have co-infections. Human Ehrlichiosis/AnaplasmosisWhat is human ehrlichiosis?Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infection caused by bacteria. Two types of ehrlichiosis are common in the United States: human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), now referred to as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) or just anaplasmosis, and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). Fatality rate is 2-3%. Symptoms tend to be the same for both agents and include the sudden onset of moderate to high fever, headache, and muscle aches. The infection can also cause chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pains, or loss of appetite. Abnormalities in laboratory tests may show leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum transaminase levels. Rash occurs in <30% of adults and 60% in children. Most patients with any type of ehrlichiosis report exposure to ticks 4 to 14 days before onset of symptoms. More Ehrlichiosis InfoCDC Rickettsial disease Case Report form (use for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, HME, and HGE) Ehrlichiosis in the News:August 2007: Missouri Teen Dies from Ehrlichiosis Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverRMSF Information - CDC, Div. of Viral and Rickettsial diseases - Questions & Answers, epidemiology, signs & symptoms, and laboratory detection, and treatment |