HGE:
Human Granulocytic Erlichiosis
HGE is similar to lyme
disease both in
symptoms,
effects, and method of
transmission. There are small differences, one being that HGE's
vector is the North Star tick as well as the deer tick.
Signs and symptoms of HGE include
fever,
chills,
headache,
muscle aches,
nausea, and
vomiting. Laboratory findings often include elevated liver
enzymes and a decrease in a patient's
blood platelets and
white blood cells. HGE typically lasts one to two weeks, and most patients who receive treatment recover without long-lasting
complications. However, a small
proportion of patients with HGE may suffer more severe symptoms, such as
kidney failure,
respiratory problems, or meningitis. The case-fatality rate for both diseases may be as high as 5 percent. Severe infections and
death are most likely in older people, and in those who are not promptly treated. HGE is generally treated with a minimum seven-day course of
tetracycline or
doxycycline.