Kakoma et al listed criteria for Ehrlichiosis in dogs. These same criteria can be used in human cases. The authors are from the University of Illinois, University Complutense (Madrid), North Carolina State University and two veterinary clinics.
Clinical presentation:
(1) history of tick exposure
(2) febrile illness
(3) often negative physical findings
(4) thrombocytopenia with hemorrhage may occur
Definitive case:
(1) positive PCR
(2) inclusions consistent with ehrlichial organisms seen within leukocytes (can be confirmed with immunofluorescent or immunohistochemical stains)
Tentative case:
(1) negative buffy coat smear for ehrlichial organisms
(2) positive serology
(3) excellent response to tetracycline
(4) exclusion of other vector borne diseases
Putative case:
(1) negative buffy coat smear for ehrlichial organisms
(2) negative PCR
(3) negative or borderline serology
(4) dramatic response to tetracycline
(5) exclusion of other vector borne diseases
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