TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
 
Diseases » Ehrlichiosis » Causes
 

Causes of Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis Causes: Book Excerpts

Ehrlichiosis as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Ehrlichiosis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Ehrlichiosis. Our database lists the following as having Ehrlichiosis as a complication of that condition:

What causes Ehrlichiosis?

Causes: Ehrlichiosis: A history of tick bite or exposure to tick-infested habitats is reported in 50% to 90% of cases. (Source: excerpt from Ehrlichiosis: Epidemiology: DVRD)
Article excerpts about the causes of Ehrlichiosis:
Ehrlichiosis is caused by several bacterial species in the genus Ehrlichia (pronounced err-lick-ee-uh) which have been recognized since 1935. Over several decades, veterinary pathogens that caused disease in dogs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses were identified.  Currently, three species of Ehrlichia in the United States and one in Japan are known to cause disease in humans; others could be recognized in the future as methods of detection improve. (Source: excerpt from Ehrlichiosis: DVRD)

Related information on causes of Ehrlichiosis:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Ehrlichiosis may be found in:

Causes of Ehrlichiosis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Ehrlichiosis.

Ehrlichiosis: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Ehrlichiosis is caused by Ehrlichia organisms, specifically E. chaffeensis and granulocytic Ehrlichia. Known vectors include the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), and deer ticks (Ixodes dammini and Ixodes scapularis).

In the United States, most cases of ehrlichiosis are reported in the south-central and southern Atlantic areas of the country, but it has also been reported in the upper midwest. Persons at highest risk include those who live in endemic and highly wooded areas, engage in activities in high grassy areas, and own a pet that may introduce a tick into the home.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis - pathophysiology
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

  • Obligate intracellular, pleomorphic, Gram-negative bacteria
  • Transmission to a human by a tick vector
  • Incubation period ranges from 1–21 days
  • HME infects mononuclear phagocytes, whereas HGE infects granulocytes.
  • The Ehrlichia reside within a leukocyte phagosome (called a morula), where the bacteria divide by binary fission and produce microcolonies.
  • The infected cell is destroyed by the morula, thus releasing more organisms into the phagocyte system.

Ehrlichiosis - etiology

  • HME and HGE are both carried by tick vectors.
  • HME is thought to be transmitted by Amblyomma americanum, the Lone Star tick. The White-tailed deer is the major reservoir.
  • The vector for HGE is believed to be Ixodes scapularis, a deer tick, or Dermacentor variabilis, a brown dog tick. Small mammals such as the white-footed mouse are the major reservoirs.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008


 » Next page: Risk Factors for Ehrlichiosis

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

Tools & Services:

Medical Articles:

Forums & Message Boards

 
HONcode We subscribe to the HONcode principles

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.

Home | Symptoms | Diseases | Diagnosis | Videos | Tools | Forum | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Advertise