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Ehrlichiosis: A cause of bone marrow hypoplasia in humans
Author(s) -
Pearce Carolyn J.,
Conrad Marcel E.,
Nolan Patrick E.,
Fishbein Daniel B.,
Dawson Jacqueline E.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
american journal of hematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.456
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1096-8652
pISSN - 0361-8609
DOI - 10.1002/ajh.2830280111
Subject(s) - ehrlichiosis , bone marrow , medicine , hypoplasia , bone marrow transplantation , pathology , bone marrow diseases , immunology , virology , tick
Infection with Ehrlichia canis should be suspected in patients with fever, headache, malaise, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and a history of recent exposure to ticks. The cytopenia is caused by bone marrow hypoplasia which may be severe. The disease may be confused with spotless Rocky Mountain spotted fever but can be differentiated from this infection serologically with acute and convalescent sera. In humans, recovery has occurred with and without antibiotic therapy. However, prompt antibiotic therapy is advised prior to serologic studies, especially in immunocompromised individuals, splenectomized persons, and patients with AIDS—who may develop a more overwhelming rickettsial infection.