ehrlichiosis
Human ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne zoonosis caused by the newly described human hematotropic rickettsiae, Ehrlichia chaffeensis.
The pathology and pathogenesis of human ehrlichiosis have not been adequately studied. Even with immunoperoxidase, the only previously known method to detect these organisms in tissue, ehrlichae are difficult or impossible to identify. This led many investigators to speculate that the pathogenesis of ehrlichiosis was not caused directly by the organism but could be caused by host-mediated injury.
Synopsis
progressive central nervous system symptoms
severe thrombocytopenia
hemorrhages in multiple organs
mononuclear inclusions of infection with a monocytic ehrlichia
widespread lymphohistiocytic perivascular infiltrates
focal hepatic necroses
interstitial pneumonitis
interstitial nephritis
mononuclear phagocyte invasion and proliferation in splenic, liver, and bone marrow
hemophagocytosis
Differential diagnosis
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
References
Marty AM, Dumler JS, Imes G, Brusman HP, Smrkovski LL, Frisman DM. Ehrlichiosis mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Case report and pathological correlation. Hum Pathol. 1995 Aug;26(8):920-5. PMID: #7635455#