Because HME can be fatal, empirical antibiotic therapy based on clinical diagnosis is required. PCR testing before initiation of antibiotic therapy or retrospective serodiagnosis to detect increased antibody titers can be performed. Morulae are seen in <10% of peripheral-blood smears.
Treatment: Human Monocytotropic Ehrlichiosis Doxycycline (100 mg PO/IV bid) or tetracycline (250-500 mg PO q6h) is effective and should be continued for 3-5 days after defervescence. |
Section 7. Infectious Diseases