A Case of Severe Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis in an Immunocompromised Pregnant Patient

Abstract

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne disease that can often result in persistent fevers and other non-specific symptoms including myalgias, headache, and malaise. The incidence among endemic areas has been increasing, and clinician recognition of disease symptoms has aided in the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients who have been exposed. While there have been few cases reported of HGA disease during pregnancy, all patients have undergone a relatively mild disease course without complications. HGA may cause more severe disease in the elderly and immunocompromised. Herein, we report an unusual presentation and severe disease complications of HGA in a pregnant female who was concomitantly immunocompromised due to azathioprine treatment of her Crohns disease. Following successful treatment with rifampin, she subsequently delivered a healthy female infant without any disease sequelae.




J Med Cases. 2015;6(6):282-284
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc811w