Severe Anaplasmosis with Multi-Organ Failure in a Patient with Splenectomy: A Case Report

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen that typically causes mild infections, which are often successfully managed in outpatient settings. Immunosuppression associated with splenectomy is a well-documented risk factor for severe infections from pathogens such as Babesia microti and encapsulated bacteria. However, splenectomy has not previously been identified as a risk factor for severe anaplasmosis.

This report describes a rare case of severe anaplasmosis complicated by multiorgan failure in a patient who had undergone splenectomy several decades earlier. The clinical course was notable for pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis, atrial fibrillation, and possible myocarditis. Despite the severity of the presentation, prompt initiation of doxycycline led to recovery, albeit with a significantly prolonged hospital stay.

Patients with splenectomy might be more likely to develop a serious form of Anaplasmosis infection such as multiorgan failure. Clinicians in tick-borne endemic areas should be aware that non-specific symptoms can indicate anaplasmosis.