10/27/2026
🦠 TICK TALK TUESDAY: ANAPLASMOSIS
Over the past several weeks, we’ve explored Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, and Ehrlichia. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that tick-borne illnesses are far more complex than most people realize.
This week, we’re talking about another infection you may not have heard much about: Anaplasmosis.
And what’s particularly interesting about this one is how it targets the very cells our bodies rely on to fight infection.
🦠 WHAT IS ANAPLASMOSIS?
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum and transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also called a deer tick.
Once inside the body, the bacteria invade a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil.
Neutrophils are among our immune system’s first responders, responsible for helping identify and destroy harmful microorganisms.
But Anaplasma has developed a way to survive and multiply inside these cells, interfering with their normal function.
Think about that. A bacterium using part of your own immune system to survive!
🕷️ HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
The blacklegged tick is also capable of transmitting Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
And here’s something worth knowing: One tick can carry more than one pathogen, meaning multiple infections can sometimes result from a single bite.
⚠️ WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms typically appear 5–14 days after an infected tick bite and may include:
• Fever and chills
• Severe headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
Unlike Lyme disease, a rash is uncommon with Anaplasmosis. And many people never recall being bitten by a tick.
🩸 WHAT MAKES THIS INFECTION DIFFERENT?
One of the most interesting things about Anaplasmosis is what doctors may discover through routine bloodwork.
Common findings include:
• Low white blood cell counts: Fewer circulating infection-fighting cells.
• Low platelet counts: Platelets help your blood clot properly.
• Elevated liver enzymes: A possible indication of liver inflammation or injury.
Remember Ehrlichiosis from our previous Tick Talk Tuesday?
These two infections have quite a bit in common, but there’s an important difference.
Anaplasma primarily targets neutrophils, while the most common cause of human Ehrlichiosis in the United States primarily targets monocytes, another type of white blood cell.
Different bacteria. Different cellular targets. Similar illnesses.
🔬 TESTING & TREATMENT
Anaplasmosis can be difficult to diagnose early because initial antibody tests may be negative.
PCR testing is especially useful during the first week of illness, while antibody testing may require a second sample several weeks later.
Doxycycline is the recommended treatment for adults and children of all ages. Early treatment is important because severe cases can lead to respiratory failure, bleeding complications, or organ failure.
The CDC recommends beginning treatment when Anaplasmosis is strongly suspected rather than waiting for laboratory confirmation.
🌿 WHAT ABOUT SOUTH CAROLINA?
Although Anaplasmosis is reported most frequently in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, blacklegged ticks are also found here in South Carolina.
And as we’ve learned throughout this series, different tick species can transmit different infections.
Whether you’re gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying your backyard, prevention matters.
💚 THE BIGGER PICTURE
Some tick-borne infections affect red blood cells. Others invade white blood cells. Some cause rashes, while others rarely do.
And many begin with symptoms that could easily be mistaken for the flu.
That’s why we continue sharing these educational posts. The more we understand about ticks and the infections they can transmit, the better equipped we are to recognize potential warning signs and protect our families.
At MosquitoNix Myrtle Beach–Florence, we believe enjoying the outdoors and being informed about what’s out there should go hand in hand. 💚
