Human ehrlichiosis: more trouble from ticks

Human ehrlichiosis, whether monocytic or granulocytic, presents as a flulike illness that can be severe or even fatal. Diagnosis is often difficult and usually empiric: persistent fever and malaise, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, elevated liver enzyme levels, and tick exposure are clues. In cases treated early with doxycycline, the prognosis is good.