ANAPLASMOSIS

Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by a bacterium called “Anaplasma phagocytophilum”. This is found in species of a vector or the “Black-legged Tick”. This can transmit to people when bitten by an infected tick.

The black-legged tick is a parasite which is related to spiders. They feed by simply attaching their mouth to some parts of the skin. If this tick has already fed on blood it spreads the bacteria in the bloodstream. The bacteria itself will multiply inside a person’s body. And it began to create a series of symptoms.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Many kinds of species can cause Anaplasmosis. One of the main causes is the bite of an infected tick. Here are the lists of symptoms seen after 1-2 weeks being bitten by a tick:

• Sudden fever
• A headache
• Experiencing muscle pain
• Malaise
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Rashes
• Chill and having cough
• Having a confusion

Usually, the bite of the tick is painless. Some person does not remember being bitten by this tick. However, this condition can lead to serious illness. It can even be fatal if not treated. Patients who already have an action regarding this condition may recover faster than those who have a prolonged stay in the hospital.  

RISK FACTORS

The following are the list of a risk factor for tick bites:

• A person loves to hike in the woods.
• A person likes to go adventure in the forest.
• Skin exposed to the environment.
• Not using insect repellent.
• Using clothes that do not protect the arms, legs and other body parts.
• Having pets without applying ticks repellents.
• Conducting a camp.
• Often perform outdoor activities.

COMPLICATIONS

Having this kind of disease is a big problem. Complications may arise if this disease is left untreated.

• Having a chronic joint inflammation (or Lyme arthritis occurs in the knee)
• Experiencing neurological symptoms (facial palsy and neuropathy)
• Cognitive defects or impaired memory
• Irregular heart rhythm

PREVENTION

Practicing safety precautions can decrease the chances of this disease.

• Cover up yourself when you’re in the wood and grassy areas.
• Using insect repellent all the time when you’re outside your home.
• Spraying your home with insecticide.
• Clean the areas where tick can possible live or stay.
• Don’t forget to check yourself, your child and pets for a tick.
• Removing of ticks as soon as possible when it’s attached to you with tweezers.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing this disease has different ways. The physician finds it challenging to diagnose and treat because the disease can be hard to distinguish. The doctor will assess the patient’ history of tick bites and areas last traveled. You will also undergo a blood test using the useful tools such as:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Western blot test

TREATMENT

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in treating your condition like:

• Oral Anti-biotics (such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime)
• Intravenous Anti-biotics
• Bismacine