Human granulocytic anaplasmosisA28.8
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (older name: human granulocytic ehrlichiosis) is a tick-borne disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
In Europe, few diseases have become known due to the high proportion of asymptomatic infections. Case reports from the USA, Austria, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium and Italy are available (Hing M et al. 2018).
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
65 to 75% of all infections are asymptomatic. After an incubation period of about 5 to 30 days, the following flu-like symptoms may occur: high fever, severe headache, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, joint pain. Less frequent are unspecific exanthema. Risk of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.
LaboratoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Increase in transaminases, leukocytopenia with lympho- and neutropenia, thrombopenia. C-reactive protein (CRP) and BSG increased, possible increase in CK. Detection of antibodies; titers remain high for a long time after infection.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Clinic with tick-bite history, serology
Internal therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Medium of choice: Doxycycline (2x100mg/p.o. over 14 days). Alternative: Rifampicin.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
In view of the wide distribution of the bacterium in European ticks, a much larger number of infections can be assumed, which probably remain mostly undetected due to the lack of knowledge about the pathogen. As a result of cross-reactions, Borrelia serology can be positive.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Hing M et al (2018) Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in humans in Belgium for the period 2013-2016 Acta Clin Belg 20:1-6.