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From ticks to humans: Do you know the transmission route that human granular leukocytes cannot ignore?
Human granular leukocytes neutrophils (neutrophils) play an important role in the immune system, however, these cells are also targeted by an infectious disease called human granular anaplasmosis (HGA). The disease is caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is primarily transmitted to humans by ticks. This article will delve into the transmission routes, symptoms and prevention methods of HGA, so that we can have a more comprehensive understanding of this disease.
HGA is caused by an obligatory intracellular bacterium, which allows it to quickly infect and affect the function of white blood cells once it enters the body.
Epidemiology and mode of transmission
The main route of transmission of HGA is through ticks of the genus Ixodes, which include Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in the United States. These ticks not only transmit HGA, but are also carriers of other tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Babesia. This means that in high-risk areas, the risk of infection is greatly increased. In addition, studies have pointed out that the main mammalian host in the eastern United States is the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), which is the main host of HGA.
Clinical symptoms
Symptoms of HGA are similar to those of the flu. Common symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, and shaking. Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In more severe cases, someone may experience complications from respiratory failure, kidney failure, or secondary infection. It is worth noting that the symptoms of HGA are sometimes subtle, making early diagnosis difficult.
“The clinical manifestations of HGA are difficult to distinguish from many other tick-borne diseases, and early and correct diagnosis is crucial.”
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is currently no vaccine against HGA, and the only treatment is antibiotics, especially doxycycline. If HGA infection is suspected, treatment should be given immediately without waiting for laboratory results to improve the patient's chances of recovery. If the condition is not treated promptly in its advanced stages, it may lead to serious consequences and even death.
Preventive measures
Currently, the best way to prevent HGA is to avoid being bitten in an environment where ticks live. This includes wearing long-sleeved clothing, using tick spray and doing regular body checks for ticks. In addition, knowing the seasons and areas where ticks are active, and staying alert, are also crucial to preventing HGA.
The evolution of epidemiology
According to the report, the number of cases of HGA has increased significantly since the first confirmed case of HGA in 1994. Especially between 2009 and 2010, the number of cases increased by as high as 52%. This is closely related to factors such as the expansion of tick distribution and climate change. Over the past 20 years, HGA has become more prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.
Medical history background
The first recorded outbreak of HGA dates back to the early 1990s, when a patient in Wisconsin developed flu-like symptoms but was not diagnosed promptly and died. Several cases with similar symptoms subsequently appeared in the same area, and in 1994 it was finally confirmed that the disease was caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
“HGA’s story reminds us of the importance of increased vigilance and early diagnosis when facing infectious diseases.”
Summary
The prevalence of HGA is closely related to the ecological environment of ticks. In the face of this disease, we need to strengthen the prevention of tick bites, raise public awareness, and provide timely medical intervention. As the number of HGA cases continues to increase, how do we deal with this challenge in the future will become a question worth pondering?
