Cures for Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is caused by a bacteria spread by infected ticks. Specifically, the bacteria that causes this debilitating disease is called Anaplasma Phagocytophilum. The same tick can carry Lyme Disease as well, so a person could become infected with both diseases with a single bite. While this potentially fatal illness produces deep, flu like symptoms, the good news is that modern antibiotics can treat it.

Doxycycline Therapy

• Because Anaplasma Phagocytophilum is a type of bacteria, it can be killed by antibiotics. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, MDOH, doxycycline is a powerful antibiotic that is effective against this disease. The recommended dosage is 100 mg twice daily until the patient is fever-free for at least three days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, concurs that doxycycline is the best treatment option.

Tetracycline Therapy

• The MDOH also notes that antibiotics in the tetracycline family are suitable as well. Because this family group of antibiotics attacks tick-borne diseases, the CDC recommends early therapy with tetracycline antibiotics, especially if the patient was in a rugged outdoor environment. The CDC, however, does not recommend tetracyclines for pregnant women, since the risk is high for teeth and bone malformations in the fetus.

Palliative Care

• Palliative care also must be administered. "Palliative" means treating the symptoms rather than the disease itself. Since the patient is having strong flu-like symptoms, palliative treatment is the same as for colds and flu. This includes broths and soups that are rich in vitamins and electrolytes along with plenty of fluids. Bed rest and non-strenuous activity are also part of common treatment.

Prevention

• The CDC recommends prevention above all. If you are going into a wilderness area, wear long pants tucked into boots and a shirt with long sleeves. The CDC notes that light colored clothing is best for heat reflection, and light colors also allow you to spot a tick more easily. If you see a tick, immediately remove it with tweezers or another instrument, but never with bare hands.