Co-infections: Rickettsia Diseases
Rickettsia Diseases
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Some Diseases Caused by the Rickettsia Bacteria
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Ehrlichiosis (HME, human monocytic ehrlichiosis)
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Anaplasmosis (HGA, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, formerly called HGE)
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsias (SFGR)
May cause milder illness than Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Symptoms:
Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever share Similar Symptoms
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Fever
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Chills
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Severe headache
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Muscle aches or pain
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Confusion
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Meningitis
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Abdominal pain
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Nausea
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Vomiting (sometimes)
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Diarrhea (sometimes)
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Rash
Rickettsia Disease Rash
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Flat red and/or bumpy rash.
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Rash doesn’t appear for several days.
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Many people with Rocky Mountain spotted fever don’t get a rash.
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The rash is rare in anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.
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The RMSF rash typically begins at the wrists and ankles and moves up the limbs.
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May also occur on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
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Spotted fever group rickettsias may cause a milder illness than these other diseases.
Treatment of Rickettsial Diseases
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Treatment is most successful if begun promptly (before the 5th day of illness).
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Don’t wait for test results.
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Tests are usually negative early in the illness.
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Begin treatment as soon as a rickettsial disease is suspected.
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These diseases can be fatal if treatment is delayed.
Diagnosis Issues
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Rickettsial diseases can be confused with the flu or viral meningitis.
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They may not get diagnosed until the rash appears.
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These diseases cause low platelet count, low white blood cell count, and elevated liver enzymes. A CBC panel and liver enzyme test should be ordered.
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Antibody tests can be ordered, but treatment must not wait for the antibody test results.
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Antibody tests for anaplasma are likely to be negative during the first week or two of infection.
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People can get Lyme disease along with these diseases.