A Rare Case of ARDS From Human Anaplasmosis

Abstract

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne bacterial disease caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. ARDS is a very rare presentation of human anaplasmosis. Early suspicion and empiric antibiotics usually prevent rapid progression of the disease. In our case, despite early initiation of empiric antibiotics, the clinical course of our patient continued to deteriorate but responded dramatically upon addition of steroids. Clinicians should be vigilant about the presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment of human granulocytic anaplasmosis.

Keywords: acute respiratory distress syndrome; antibiotics; bacterial infections; human anaplasmosis; rare diseases; tick-borne diseases.