Effects of Ehrlichia on the Human Body

These past few years, there are some variable changes that happen in our environment such as exposure to various diseases and other health-related conditions. Lifestyle changes, modifications and environmental factors perhaps may trigger the said event. Since our environment are already dying due to various factors such as global warming, deforestation and air pollution; certain steps and procedures are already in the process of implementing to help save the environment as well as the life within. New diseases and health problems continue to merge and increase within a specified time. This discovery may lead from one disease to another eventhough possible treatment may be next to impossible as of the moment.

For animal lovers and those who want to own one, owners should be very careful and cautious of the possible risks that may involve. Rabies is one of the most common, fatal and infectious disease that affects the central nervous system. It is commonly transmitted through a bite from an infected animal and it can lead to death if left untreated. Aside from rabies, ticks and other parasites also affect the human body. Ehrlichiosis also known as canine hemorrhagic fever, canine typhus and canine rickettsiosis is a tick borne infection which infects the blood, specifically the white blood cells. Ehrlichia is the organism’s name and it has different species. The brown dog tick is responsible for spreading Ehrlichia canis which commonly affects dogs and responsible for the most dangerous manifestations.

Humans infected by Ehrlichiosis will usually manifests symptoms and often characterized by fatigue, rashes although rare, headache, fever is present due to an infection and muscle pain. It can be a mild or a life-threatening condition depending on the body’s immune system response. Since the white blood cells are severely affected, opportunistic infection may set in anytime due to immune suppression. The elderly and the younger patients especially those with compromised immune system should be brought to the hospital as soon as possible for proper treatment. On the other hand, severely affected individual may manifest low white blood cell count, low platelet count, kidney failure, elevated liver enzymes, respiratory failure and even death may occur. This type of illness was thought to be an animal disease until in the late 80’s wherein it was described in humans and found in numerous locations in the United States (in different states), Europe and even in Africa.

Prevention is still the best option to minimize complication. The best thing to do is to limit the exposure by avoiding ticks. When you’re out, be sure to wear light colored materials to clearly visualize and to easily recognize if there’s something on your garments. Apply some insect repellant especially on exposed areas and be sure to tuck your pants inside your shoes to minimize tick exposure. Be careful in using insect repellants especially on children because of some side-effects noted. If you’ve been to area with possible tick exposure, be sure to check your clothes prior in going home. For people infected with Ehrlichia, doxycycline is the drug of choice while Rifampicin is the alternative choice for people allergic to tetracycline.
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