Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne bacterial disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. ARDS is a very rare presentation of human anaplasmosis. Early suspicion and empiric antibiotics usually prevent rapid progression of the disease. In our case, despite early initiation of empiric antibiotics, the clinical course of our patient continued to deteriorate but responded dramatically upon addition of steroids. Clinicians should be vigilant about the presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of human granulocytic anaplasmosis.
- rare diseases
- acute respiratory distress syndrome
- human anaplasmosis
- tick-borne diseases
- bacterial infections
- antibiotics
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Upendra Kaphle MD, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-9, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699. E-mail: ukaphle{at}tulane.edu.
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The authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
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