Severe Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in a lung transplant recipient: a review of ehrlichiosis in the immunocompromised patient

Emerg Infect Dis. 2002 Mar;8(3):320-3. doi: 10.3201/eid0803.010249.

Abstract

We describe a case of human ehrlichiosis in a lung transplant recipient and review published reports on ehrlichiosis in immunocompromised patients. Despite early therapy with doxycycline, our patient had unusually severe illness with features of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Of 23 reported cases of ehrlichiosis in immunocompromised patients, organ failure occurred in all patients and 6 (25%) died.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Ehrlichia chaffeensis / pathogenicity*
  • Ehrlichiosis / diagnosis
  • Ehrlichiosis / mortality
  • Ehrlichiosis / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Doxycycline