An Unusual Case of Ehrlichiosis Manifesting With Hyponatremia, Acute Encephalopathy, and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Cureus. 2022 Jul 17;14(7):e26943. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26943. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infection that has become increasingly more common in the United States in recent years. We present a case of a patient who was found to have confusion, hyponatremia, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after contracting Ehrlichia chaffeensis following a tick exposure. This unusual presentation emphasizes the need for increased awareness of the varied symptoms of this infection and the importance of obtaining a complete history from patients at risk of vector-borne diseases.

Keywords: ehrlichia chaffeensis; ehrlichiosis; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; tick-borne diseases; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Case Reports