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Ehrlichia, Molecular Detection

Includes 1 test
Blood
5 Days
130€

Molecular testing for Ehrlichia is used to definitively diagnose and document ehrlichiosis.

Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are a group of tick-borne infectious zoonoses caused by the very related species Ehrlichia and Anaplasma, respectively. These microorganisms have obligatory intracellular lives, are Gram-negative, belong to the rickettsia group of microorganisms, infect leukocytes and cause a potentially serious inflammatory disease in humans.

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis is caused by the species Ehrlichia chaffeensis, which is transmitted by the tick Amblyomma americanum and is epidemiologically predominant in US areas. Ehrlichia ewingii and Ehrlichia canis, the cause of the dog's granulocytic ehrlichiosis, can sometimes cause disease in humans. The clinical and laboratory findings are similar to those of E. chaffeensis infection.

Most cases of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are subclinical or mild, but the infection can become serious and life-threatening in some patients, mainly immunosuppressed. Symptoms such as fever, fatigue, general malaise, headache, and other "flu" symptoms, including myalgia, joints, and nausea, are more common. The involvement of the central nervous system can lead to convulsions and coma.

Diagnosis of the disease can be difficult as the clinical course of the patient is often mild and without specific symptoms. Symptoms can easily be attributed to other diseases, such as influenza or other zoonoses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. Indications for the diagnosis of ehrlichiosis in a patient after known exposure to ticks include laboratory findings such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum transaminases which, while frequently present, are not specific. Rarely, intracellular microorganisms can be observed in peripheral blood smears, but this is not a reliable indicator for the diagnosis of human ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis.

The definitive diagnosis of the disease is achieved by the molecular PCR method.

 

 

Important Note

Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".

Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.

At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.

Additional information
Tests includedIncludes 1 test
Sample Blood
Procedure completion test
Step 1

Purchase the test you want online

Select the tests you wish, through the most complete range of Preventive and Functional Medicine tests and purchase them online.

Step 2

Sampling

We send you the certified package - sampling collection kit, to collect your sample, always in accordance with the instructions contained within the kit.

Step 3

Sending your sample

After you have collected your sample, place it in the prepaid shipping package, contact the courier company and send it to our certified laboratory.

Step 4

Receiving the test results

Download your test results easily and securely anytime you want by logging in to your personal account.

Step 1

Book an appointment and buy the test online

Select from the most complete range test of Prevention, Andrology and Diagnostics, book an appointment in real time and purchase them online.

Step 2

Sampling

Visit the certified laboratory of Diagnostiki Athinon on the date and time you have chosen, to perform the sampling.

Step 3

Receiving the test results

Download your test results easily and securely anytime you want by logging in to your personal account.

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