infectious diseases
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
Treatment of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
Doxycycline Treatment of ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis is best started before laboratory results return. When treatment is started early, patients generally respond rapidly and well. A delay in treatment may lead to serious complications, including viral and fungal superinfections and death in 2 to 5%. Primary treatment isdoxycyclineuntil the patient improves and has been afebrile for 24 to 48 hours but is continued for at least 7 days. For patients who do not toleratedoxycycline, desensitization is recommended. is warranted ( Treatment references ). Research indicates that short courses of Chloramphenicolis not effective. Some patients continue to experience headache, weakness, and malaise for weeks after adequate treatment. 1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ehrlichiosis 2.Todd SR, Dahlgren FS, Traeger MS, et al: No visible dental staining in children treated withdoxycyclinefor suspected Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.J Pediatr166(5):1246-51, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.02.015 