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Abstract:
Ehrlichiosis is an emerging tickborne infectious disease caused by obligate intracellular, gram-negative rickettsia that infect leukocytes. Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and is believed to be transmitted by Amblyomma americanum (the Lone Star tick). Most HME cases have been reported in southeastern and south-central states. During May-July 1994, five cases of serologically confirmed HME were identified among residents of Maryland. All five persons lived near the Chesapeake Bay and had antecedent histories of tick exposure. This report summarizes the clinical and epidemiologic features of these cases and the results of serologic testing at CDC of specimens from Maryland residents with suspected tickborne infection.
Insights
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), a tickborne illness, was confirmed in five Maryland residents near the Chesapeake Bay. This highlights the emerging threat of Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in new geographic regions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tickborne Illnesses
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ehrlichiosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by rickettsia bacteria that infect white blood cells.
- Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) is caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
- Historically, HME cases are concentrated in southeastern and south-central United States.
Observation:
- Five cases of confirmed HME were identified in Maryland residents between May and July 1994.
- All affected individuals resided near the Chesapeake Bay.
- Each case reported a history of tick exposure prior to illness.
Findings:
- Serological testing confirmed HME in the five Maryland residents.
- The cases represent a geographic expansion of identified HME infections.
- Clinical and epidemiological data were collected and analyzed.
Implications:
- This finding suggests that Ehrlichia chaffeensis may be spreading to new areas.
- Increased awareness of HME is needed in regions near the Chesapeake Bay.
- Further surveillance for tickborne diseases in Maryland is warranted.