Final answer:
Ehrlichiosis is a tickborne disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis, diagnosed through the identification of morulae inclusions in white blood cells and treated with doxycycline.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ehrlichiosis is a tickborne illness that affects both humans and dogs, primarily caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis. This pathogen is considered a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) obligate intracellular organism, meaning it can only survive and multiply within the cells of another organism. The diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis involves identifying intracellular morulae inclusions within white blood cells and is supported by PCR and serologic tests. The primary treatment for Ehrlichiosis is the antibiotic doxycycline, effective against a range of bacteria transmitted by ticks, including Ehrlichiosis.
Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME) is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and presents with symptoms similar to the flu, including the potential development of distinctive rashes. Unlike some tickborne diseases, HME may result in different rash patterns in children and adults. Patients typically receive doxycycline as a first-line therapy to combat the infection.