Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in connecticut: Report of a fatal case

Catherine J. Hardalo, Vincent Quagliarello, J. Stephen Dumler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

97 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report a case of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in a 71-year-old man who presented with an acute febrile illness and subsequently developed multisystem organ dysfunction and sudden severe anemia with thrombocytopenia requiring intensive care, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, and transfusions. The diagnosis was suspected on the fifth hospital day after a peripheral blood smear was examined; intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were present in granulocytes only. Results of serological tests of acute and convalescent sera confirmed the diagnosis of granulocytic ehrlichiosis. We discuss the features of this case that were similar to those of published case reports as well as the course and outcome of treatment. This, to our knowledge, represents the first documented case of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis to occur outside the Upper Midwest. Because of the possible epidemiological association of Ehrlichia species with the deer tick Ixodes scapularis (dammini), this case raises additional concern for clinicians and patients in regions where Lyme disease is endemic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)910-914
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in connecticut: Report of a fatal case'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this