Human Ehrlichiosis Symptoms

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of particular species of ticks. There are two main types of ehrlichiosis in humans: human monocytic ehrlichiosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Both cause a number of symptoms in infected individuals and both, in some instances, can develop into life-threatening conditions.

Aspects

• Human ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacteria ehrlicia chaffeensis. Four separate species of ehrlicia bacteria are present worldwide, and they can be carried by a variety of ticks, including the lone star tick, the sheep tick, and the blacklegged tick. When an individual is bitten by an infected tick, the bacteria is transmitted directly onto the person's skin where it then enters the bloodstream. The longer the tick is attached to an individual, the greater the chance they will become infected with ehrlicia. Ehrlichiosis can be contracted only through the bite of an infected tick and cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Early Symptoms

• The earliest symptoms of ehrlichiosis closely resemble the flu and usually appear between one to two weeks after being bitten by an infected tick. These symptoms include a low-grade fever, fatigue, muscular aches, severe headache, and a mild cough. The infected individual may also experience digestive problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and episodes of vomiting.

Later Symptoms

• If the immune system fails to fight off the infection and the bacteria continues to multiply and spread throughout the body, a number of more serious symptoms can develop. These include severe joint pain and increasing mental confusion. A rash can also develop across the body. Left untreated, ehrlichiosis can begin to cause seizures, a dangerously high fever, and possible kidney failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Ehrlichiosis can be diagnosed with the use of specialized laboratory tests that can identify the ehrlicia bacteria. Since these tests are not available at all health care facilities, diagnosis usually depends on the symptoms and whether the individual is known to have been recently bitten by a tick or traveled within an area known for ehrlicia-infected ticks. Ehrlichiosis is treated with the antibiotic doxycycline.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent ehrlichiosis is to reduce the risk of tick bite. Individuals working or traveling in natural areas with known tick problems should keep their arms and legs covered and tuck pant legs into the top of boots or shoes. Insect repellent sprayed on exposed skin and clothes can also be effective. Since a tick must be attached for at least 24 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted, regularly checking for and properly removing ticks promptly can also prevent ehrlichiosis.