Standard Precautions
Diagnosis of exposure is often performed using serological tests (e.g. 4DX, Accuplex). These do not necessarily indicate the presence of active infection or disease.
Active infection can be identified via PCR (from blood).
Microscopic identification of morulae in neutrophils is suggestive but A. phagocytophilum cannt be differentiated from Ehrlichia ewingii.
Pleomorphic, gram-negative bacteria of the Anaplasmataceae family.
Transmitted by ticks: Ixodes scapularis and I. pacificus
Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis
Anaplasma lacks a cell wall so drugs acting on cell wall synthesis (e.g. beta-lactams) are ineffective.
Doxycycline is the drug of choice. Other tetracyclines can also be used.
Rifampin and fluoroquinolones may also be effective.