Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are two tick-borne illnesses that are caused by different types of bacteria. Both diseases are spread by the bite of infected ticks and can cause similar symptoms.

Ehrlichiosis is caused by a group of bacteria called Ehrlichia, which are transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. The symptoms of ehrlichiosis can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. More severe cases can lead to complications such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, or central nervous system involvement.

Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is also transmitted by infected ticks. The symptoms of anaplasmosis are similar to those of ehrlichiosis and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. More severe cases can lead to complications such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, or central nervous system involvement.

Both ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies to the bacteria. Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as doxycycline, which can be effective in most cases if started early in the course of the illness. In more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage complications such as organ failure.

Preventing ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis involves taking precautions to avoid tick bites, such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and performing regular tick checks after spending time outdoors. If you develop symptoms of ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis after being bitten by a tick, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent serious complications.

Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are caused by different bacteria.

Ehrlichiosis is caused by different species of ehrlichia bacteria. The Lone Star tick — found in south-central, southeastern and eastern coastal states — is the primary carrier of bacteria causing ehrlichiosis. Black-legged ticks, commonly called deer ticks, in the Upper Midwest are less common carriers.

Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. It's primarily carried by deer ticks in the Upper Midwest, northeastern states and central Canadian provinces. It's also carried by the Western black-legged tick in Western coastal states and other tick species in Europe and Asia.

The ehrlichia and anaplasma species belong to the same family of bacteria. Although each bacterium appears to have a specific target among immune system cells in the host, all of these infectious agents generally cause the same symptoms.

Tick bites and infection

Ticks feed on blood by latching onto a host and feeding until they're swollen to many times their normal size. Ticks can pick up bacteria from a host, such as a deer, and then spread the bacteria to another host, such as a human. The spread of the bacteria from the tick to the host probably occurs about 24 hours after the tick has begun feeding.

Other ways bacteria spreads

Spread of the bacteria causing ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis is possible through blood transfusions, from mother to fetus, or through direct contact with an infected, slaughtered animal.

The best way to steer clear of ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis is to avoid tick bites when you are outdoors. Most ticks attach themselves to your lower legs and feet as you walk or work in grassy, wooded areas or overgrown fields. After a tick attaches to your body, it usually crawls upward to find a location to burrow into your skin.

If you are going to be working or playing in an area that is a likely tick habitat, follow these tips to protect yourself.

If your doctor diagnoses ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis — or suspects a diagnosis based on the symptoms and clinical findings — you'll begin treatment with the antibiotic doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, others).

You'll take the drugs at least three days after you no longer have a fever and your doctor has observed improvement in other signs of disease. The minimum treatment is five to seven days. More serious illness may require two to three weeks of antibiotic treatment.

If you're pregnant or allergic to doxycycline, your doctor may prescribe the antibiotic rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, others).

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you find a tick on your body, don't be alarmed. Removing a tick promptly is a good defense against transmission of bacteria. Use the following steps:

• Gloves. Wear medical gloves or similar gloves if possible to protect your hands.
• Tweezers. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick firmly near its head or mouth, and as close to the skin as possible.
• Removal. Pull the tick's body away your skin steadily and slowly without jerking or twisting it. If parts of the mouth remain, remove them with clean tweezers.
• Disposal. Kill the tick by putting it in alcohol. Do not crush the tick to avoid exposure to possible bacteria. The dead tick can be flushed, lightly wrapped in tape before throwing in the trash or stored in a freezer.
• Storage. A tick can be tested at a later date if you suspect infection. Place the tick in a container, label it with the date, and place it in the freezer.
• Cleanup. Use soap and water to wash your hands after handling the tick and around the tick bite. Clean the site and your hands with rubbing alcohol.

Don't apply petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, rubbing alcohol or a hot match to the tick.