If we see a small insect or bug attached to our body, we don't pay much attention to it, do we? We just scratch it off and move on. But sometimes, even a small incident like this can be the beginning of a serious illness. Today we're going to talk about a tick-borne disease that hasn't been talked about much. It's called Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis, or HGA for short.
Simply put, what is Anaplasmosis?
This is actually a bacterial infection. The disease is spread by a bacterium called `Anaplasma phagocytophilum`, which is bitten by an infected flea (especially an `Ixodes` type of flea). This bacterium is very cunning. It enters our body directly and attacks the white blood cells that are like our body's defenses. This weakens our immune system and various symptoms begin to appear.
This disease was first discovered in the 1990s. Since then, cases have been reported from various parts of the world, especially North America, Europe, and East Asia.
Who is at higher risk of developing this disease?
The fleas that carry this disease are most common in environments with lots of grass, bushes, and trees. Therefore, the following people are at slightly higher risk:
- For those living in rural areas, especially those living near plantations and farms.
- For those who farm.
- For those who work in forests (e.g. forest officers).
- For those who go hunting.
- For those who climb mountains and walk in the jungle.
- For those who keep dogs as pets (as fleas on dogs can easily enter the home).
The most important thing is that anyone can get this disease if they visit an area where it is present. So it is very important to be careful.
What are the symptoms? How do you recognize it?
Symptoms usually appear between 5 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected flea. Not everyone gets the same symptoms. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience severe symptoms that require hospitalization. Older people and people with weakened immune systems (such as those with diabetes or cancer) are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
Below are some of the commonly seen symptoms.
| Symptom | More information |
|---|---|
| Fever and chills | This is the most common first symptom. A sudden, high fever may occur. |
| Severe headache | A headache that is more severe than a normal headache and unbearable may occur. |
| Body aches and joint pain | My body aches, as if I had a viral fever. |
| Vomiting and diarrhea | Some patients may experience stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
| Other features | Symptoms such as cough, skin rashes, memory loss, and anemia (blood deficiency) are also rarely seen. |
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, he will ask you a few questions. In particular, he will definitely ask if you have recently been to a forested area and if you have had an animal like a flea attached to your body.
Then they will ask you to do several blood tests to confirm the disease.
- Full Blood Count: This may show a decrease in white blood cells (Leukopenia) and a decrease in platelets (Thrombocytopenia). Liver enzymes may also be elevated.
- Specialized tests: To confirm the disease, specialized blood tests such as `(IFA - Indirect Immunofluorescence)` and `(PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction)` are performed. These can directly detect antibodies related to the bacteria or genetic fragments of the bacteria.
- Blood Smear: A drop of blood can be taken and examined under a microscope to see if there are bacteria inside the white blood cells.
Important: Do not self-medicate with antibiotics before seeing a doctor. Doing so may affect the accuracy of blood tests.
The importance of treatment and early treatment
The best news about this disease is that there is a successful treatment for it . But there is one condition. That is, treatment must be started as soon as possible .
- The main medication given for this is the antibiotic doxycycline .
- The later you start treatment, the more likely the disease will become severe, causing complications such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and possibly even death.
- Therefore, as soon as the doctor suspects this disease based on your symptoms and history, he may start treatment without even waiting for the blood test results. That is the most correct and safest thing to do.
How to protect yourself from the disease? - Prevention is the best!
There is no vaccine for this disease yet. So the best thing to do is to stay away from fleas. Think about these things if you are going to a forest, a garden, or a barn.
| What to do | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| Wear fully covered clothing. | Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes, and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks. This makes it harder for fleas to reach your skin. |
| Wear light-colored clothes. | If a dark-colored flea is walking on light-colored clothing, it is easy to see. |
| Use insect repellent. | Apply a repellent containing DEET or permethrin to clothing and exposed skin. |
| Check yourself after you get home. | Check areas like armpits, groin, head, and behind the ears. If possible, have someone check it out. |
| Check pets | Always check dogs and cats that come in from playing outside for fleas. |
Take-Home Message
- Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by fleas that can be serious if left untreated.
- If you experience symptoms such as a high fever, headache, and body aches after visiting a forested area, don't take it lightly.
- See a doctor as soon as possible. Explain clearly about the illness and the places you have been.
- If diagnosed early and antibiotics such as ` ( Doxycycline) ` are started, this disease can be completely cured.
- It is much more important to take steps to protect yourself from fleas than to suffer from the disease.
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