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Human granulocytic anaplasmosis: First reported case in Canada
Michael D Parkins1, Deirdre L Church, Xiu Yan Jiang
1Departments of Medicine and.
Summary
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), a tick-borne illness, is now confirmed in Canada. This case highlights the need for physicians to consider HGA in patients with specific symptoms during tick season.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tick-Borne Illnesses
- Rickettsial Infections
Background:
- Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
- HGA is endemic in the United States and carried by ticks.
Observation:
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum has been identified in Canadian ticks.
- A case of HGA was acquired in an urban Alberta center.
Findings:
- This is the first documented case of HGA in Canada.
- The patient presented with fever, leukopenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated transaminases.
Implications:
- Canadian physicians should consider HGA in differential diagnoses for febrile illnesses with cytopenias and elevated transaminases.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for reducing HGA morbidity and mortality.
- This finding expands the known geographic range of HGA transmission.
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