Human ehrlichiosis.

Ten years ago, tick-borne ehrlichiosis infection was primarily a problem in dogs, cattle, and sheep. Today hundreds of people have been infected by newly recognized Ehrlichia species. If infection is detected early, treatment is relatively simple and usually effective. Late diagnosis, on the other hand, carries serious morbidity or even death. Dr. Glushko discusses the history, epidemiology, and clinical aspects of human ehrlichiosis and provides information on both treatment and prevention.