At this time not enough is known about ehrlichiosis to come to any confident conclusions about long-term effects. A diagnosis of HME or HGE is based on observation of the patient's symptoms, usually supported by immunofluorescence assay or polymerase chain reaction tests. Few physicians, however, are aware of ehrlichiosis, and even the knowledgeable ones are unable to diagnose ehrlichiosis simply on the basis of symptoms. Researchers are currently working on laboratory tests to facilitate more precise diagnoses of ehrlichiosis. Treating Ehrlichiosis When treated early, ehrlichiosis responds very well to the antibiotics tetracycline, doxycycline, and rifampin.
Some experts report that it is effectively treated for a minimum course of five to seven days.
Unfortunately, it does not respond to most of the antibiotics commonly used for Lyme disease, including ampicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. The tick that carries Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis also can carry babesiosis, a microorganism called a protozoa. It has been reported in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts and in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia, California, and Washington. Symptoms and Outlook of Babesiosis Symptoms of babesiosis occur one to four weeks after a tick bite and are similar to those of malaria. Most cases are very mild and nearly unrecognizable.