Anaplasma phagocytophilum

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (pronunciation: an-uh-plaz-muh fag-oh-sy-toh-fill-uhm) is a gram-negative bacteria that is known to cause the disease human granulocytic anaplasmosis. It is a rickettsial pathogen of the family Anaplasmataceae.

Etymology

The term Anaplasma is derived from the Greek words ana meaning "up, back, again" and plasma meaning "something formed or molded". The term phagocytophilum is derived from the Greek words phagein meaning "to eat", kytos meaning "hollow, a vessel" and philos meaning "loving".

Description

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacteria that primarily infects neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick.

Symptoms

In humans, Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis, which is characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is typically made through serology or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Treatment usually involves the antibiotic doxycycline.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski