Ehrlichiosis

Treatment:

Rickettsial diseases, in general, are all responsive to a group of antibiotics belonging to the tetracyclines. Treatment with tetracycline or doxycycline produces rapid improvement.

Note: Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment full recovery is expected.

Complications:

Infection may damage many organ systems but typically the lungs and kidney are involved. Several cases have resulted in death.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have had a recent tick bite or exposure to tick infested areas and have developed symptoms suggestive of Ehrlichiosis. Be sure to mention the tick exposure to the health care provider.