Symptoms of ehrlichiosis vary depending on the stage of the disease. If left untreated, ehrlichiosis can lead to a variety of complications. In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing and require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. In the short term, symptoms may be mild and may not require medical attention. However, the longer you are untreated, the more likely it is that you will experience severe and potentially fatal complications.
Although ehrlichiosis can be passed from animals to humans, the most common transmission route is through a bite from a tick. When a tick bites a person, bacteria enter the bloodstream and start feeding. The bacteria then enter the skin, causing a rash. The rash may appear as a sunburn-like redness, a patchy rash, or as pinpoint dots. The rash is most common in children, but it may also appear in adults.
Symptoms of ehrlichiosis range from mild body aches to fever and chills, to a rash. If left untreated, ehrlichiosis may cause bloodstream infections, which can lead to anemia and kidney failure. If the disease is severe, patients may experience heart failure, difficulty breathing, and bleeding disorders. In some cases, patients may not even develop a rash.
The rash of ehrlichiosis is usually non-pruritic and may appear on the palms and soles. Some people may also develop an erythroderma rash, which is a blistering or purpuric rash. It can be very painful, especially for a person with a history of heart failure or a weakened immune system.
Ehrlichiosis can be treated successfully. Treatment generally includes a course of antibiotics, including doxycycline or rifampin. Depending on the severity of the disease, doctors may prescribe steroids, which may be used to control bleeding. During treatment, patients may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics, which are administered directly into the bloodstream. However, most people recover in a matter of days, and the majority will experience complete recovery within a few weeks.
The rash of ehrlichiosis usually appears on the palms and soles, and it can appear splotchy and red. It may also cause peeling and swelling. The rash will usually clear up within a week or two of the tick bite. However, it may persist for several months or even years.
In addition to a rash, some people may also experience fever, chills, and malaise. Bloodwork may show anemia and low white blood cells. Other symptoms include joint pain, confusion, nausea, and a headache. If ehrlichiosis is suspected, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and order tests. The test results will help your doctor make a diagnosis. In addition, a person’s tick bite history can provide a clue.
In order to diagnose ehrlichiosis, your healthcare provider will use a blood test to detect bacteria. The test will also evaluate your liver and kidney functions. In addition, doctors may order a PCR test to detect Ehrlichia bacteria. PCR is a technique that creates multiple copies of DNA, which allows for detection of small amounts of bacteria.
