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Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis, Missouri.
Juan P Olano1, Edwin Masters, Wayne Hogrefe
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0747, USA. jolano@utmb.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|January 15, 2004
Summary
Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) is common in southeastern Missouri, often requiring hospitalization. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) aids in diagnosing this nonspecific illness.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) is an emerging tick-borne illness.
- Clinical presentation of HME can be nonspecific, complicating diagnosis in primary care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and characteristics of HME in a primary care setting.
- To evaluate the utility of molecular diagnostic methods, specifically PCR, for HME.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 102 patients presenting with fever, tick exposure, and no other diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of HME confirmed by indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay and PCR.
Main Results:
- HME was diagnosed in 29% of patients.
- Common symptoms included fever, headache, and myalgia; laboratory findings showed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.
- Hospitalization was required for 41% of HME cases.
Conclusions:
- HME is prevalent and potentially severe in southeastern Missouri.
- PCR is a valuable tool for diagnosing acute HME due to its nonspecific clinical features.