DEFINITION
What Is Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis, or Ehrlichiosis Disease, is a disease that usually affects dogs, livestock, sheep, goats, and horses. However, this disease can be transmitted to humans through tick bites. Anaplasmosis (formerly known as HGE), was first described in 1994.
The two main diseases are:
- Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME)
- Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE)
The bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis causes HME. HGE is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
How Common Is Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis is more common in older people. People affected by anaplasmosis have an average age of 67 years. The disease can affect patients of all ages and genders. Discuss with your doctor for more information.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Anaplasmosis?
After the bite, symptoms generally appear 1 or 2 weeks later. Then, the patient will usually experience a sudden fever accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, chills, and general weakness. Nausea, vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, and loss of appetite also occur.
These symptoms are often mistaken for flu symptoms.
Some other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Early symptoms of anaplasmosis begin to appear within 1-2 weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Flea bites are usually painless, and some patients with anaplasmosis do not remember when they were bitten.
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms above or have any questions, consult a doctor.
REASONS
What Causes Anaplasmosis?
Anaplasmosis is transmitted to humans through tick bites. Ticks transfer A. phagocytophilum to humans by bite. This tick is a black-legged tick named Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Anaplasmosis?
There are a variety of risk factors for anaplasmosis, such as being outdoors during the warmer seasons if you live or visit an area with a lot of ticks. The flea population is usually greatest during the spring and summer.
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Anaplasmosis?
Antibiotics will be given if a person may have anaplasmosis. Anaplasmosis can be fatal if you don't get the right treatment, even if you were previously healthy.
What Are The Usual Tests For Anaplasmosis?
After obtaining a complete history and physical examination, to give a diagnosis, the doctor will perform blood tests, including a complete blood cell count, kidney and liver tests, and special tests such as the polymerase chain reaction.
Other tests to determine whether these symptoms are caused by another disease with a condition similar to anaplasmosis may also be performed. These diseases are Lyme disease, mononucleosis, malignant blood disease, viral hepatitis, bile duct swelling, and animal-borne pneumonia.
If there are signs or symptoms of nerves, the doctor may stab you in the back to make sure that meningitis (swelling of the membranes of the brain) does not occur. In the process of back stabbing, the doctor inserts a needle into the spine through the lower back to obtain spinal fluid.
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Anaplasmosis?
The lifestyle and home remedies below may help with your anaplasmosis:
Experiencing a tick bite followed by a fever, or a headache with fever, nausea, and vomiting
Remember that anaplasmosis symptoms may last up to 2 months without treatment
Remember to wear light-colored clothing when in a flea-infested area. You can see the lice on your clothes more clearly
If you have any more questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.