An update on human ehrlichioses

Recent applications of molecular approaches to research on ehrlichias have significantly advanced our understanding of the organisms and the diseases they cause. Most of this research has taken place in the USA and Europe where three new species of Ehrlichia that are pathogenic in people have been discovered in the last 15 years. There is still, however, little information on ehrlichia in Africa although limited studies have shown the organisms may be important pathogens on the continent. To raise awareness of ehrlichias amongst health workers, in this review we describe the Ehrlichia spp. that are human pathogens and the signs, diagnosis and treatment of the diseases they cause.