title: Tick-borne trauma: an unusual presentation of anaplasmosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tick-borne diseases present a special problem in Connecticut and the Northeastern United States. The tick species Ixodes scapularis known for Lyme disease may also infect humans with anaplasmosis, while other tick species [Amblyomma spp.] may transmit ehrlichiosis. These illnesses may present in various ways depending on the virulence of the organism and variable host factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our patient presented as a motor vehicle trauma presumably from encephalopathy secondary to anaplasmosis. Unusual features of the patient's case led to the causative diagnosis on peripheral blood smear examination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tick-borne diseases are endemic in Connecticut. The astute clinician should maintain a healthy vigilance for these illnesses. Although our patient presented as a trauma, the presumed precipitating disease could have been treated. Physician awareness and patient education may lessen the impact of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: The Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, USA. mandip_nmc@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Mandip
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Sumanth C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Suresh
authors.forename: Inam A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.forename: Zaighum
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Rana
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Scholand
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000368:Aged; D000712:Anaplasmosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans