Previously Unreported Presentation of Anaplasmosis in an Endemic Area: A Report of 2 Cases

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis or anaplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that is endemic to certain geographic areas of the United States. Anaplasmosis is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, an intracellular bacterium that is transmitted to humans by deer ticks. The clinical presentation can vary from a subclinical infection to fulminant disease resulting in multiorgan failure and death. Patients commonly present with fever, malaise, myalgia, headache, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and cough. Central nervous system involvement has also been reported. Here, we present 2 cases that presented with significant diagnostic challenge being the first reported cases of pleuropericarditis (case 1) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to cold agglutinin disease (case 2) secondary to anaplasmosis. Knowledge of these complications from human granulocytic anaplasmosis will help clinicians to make an early diagnosis and institute appropriate treatment, especially in an endemic setting.
Source: Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research