Ehrlichiosis in Southern Ohio: Two case reports and a review of the literature

Tick-borne disease is becoming more commonplace as humans encroach on endemic regions with high tick preponderance. The incidence of ehrlichiosis rising in conjunction the increasing prevalence its associated vector, Amblyomma americanum. In Ohio, populations A. americanum have been expanding their range and growing abundance distribution. Southern Ohio particular, has identified having a population E. chaffeensis infected ticks. initial symptoms are frequently vague ill-defined. Often patients not aware sustained bite. Successful diagnosis treatment requires an index suspicion, awareness local epidemiology, prompt recognition characteristic laboratory abnormalities consistent infection. Patients where these infections known to exist, who present during season fever, leukopenia and/or thrombocytopenia, increased serum transaminase levels, should included differential diagnosis. Left untreated, can develop severe complications, including death. Doxycyline drug choice for be initiated symptomatic history bite; it withheld while awaiting lab results.