Anaplasmosis, a disease from flea bites in livestock

Definition

What is anaplasmosis?

Anaplasmosis, or Ehrlichiosis disease, is a disease that commonly affects dogs, farm animals, sheep, goats, and horses. However, this disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a flea that is on the animal. This condition was formerly known as HGE and was first described in 1994.

The two main diseases are:

• Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME);
• Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE).

Ehrlichia chaffeensis bacteria cause HME. Meanwhile, HGE is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacteria.

How common is anaplasmosis?

This disease is more common in men and people over 40 years of age. However, anyone can get this condition at any age. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of anaplasmosis?

After you get a bite, the symptoms of this disease usually appear 1 or 2 weeks later. Then, the sufferer will usually experience a sudden fever accompanied by headaches, muscle pain, chills, and the body feels weak. Nausea, vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, and loss of appetite also occur. However, these symptoms are often mistaken for flu symptoms, but they are not.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

Flea bites are usually painless, and some patients with anaplasmosis don't remember when they were bitten. But remember, these symptoms are similar to flu or fever. You should immediately see a doctor for further treatment.

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms above or have questions, consult a doctor.

Cause

What causes anaplasmosis?

This disease, which is caused by bacteria, can be transmitted to humans through tick bites. Fleas transfer the phagocytophilum analasma bacteria to humans through bites. These ticks are black-legged ticks named Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for anaplasmosis?

There are various risk factors for developing this condition, such as being outside during the summer or if you live while visiting an area where there are ticks. Flea populations are greatest during the spring and summer months.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for anaplasmosis?

Antibiotics will be given if a person may be suffering from a tick bite from this animal. Anaplasmosis can be fatal if you don't get the right treatment, even if you were previously healthy.

What are the usual tests for anaplasmosis?

After getting a complete history and body examination, to give a diagnosis, the doctor will perform blood tests, including a complete blood count, kidney and liver tests, and special tests such as polymerase chain reaction.

Other tests to determine if these symptoms are caused by another disease with a condition similar to anaplasmosis may also be performed. These diseases are Lyme disease, mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, inflammation of the bile ducts, and animal-borne pneumonia.

If there are signs or symptoms of nerves, the doctor may puncture the back to make sure that meningitis (swelling of the brain membrane) does not occur. During the back stabbing process, the doctor inserts a needle into the spine through the lower back to obtain spinal fluid.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat anaplasmosis?

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat your anaplasmosis:

• Experiencing flea bites followed by fever, or headache with fever, nausea and vomiting.
• Remember that the symptoms of anaplasmosis may last up to 2 months without treatment.
• Remember to wear light-colored clothing when you are in an infested area. You can see the lice on your clothes even more clearly.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.