Diagnosis

Tick-borne infections are difficult to diagnose based solely on signs and symptoms because they are similar to many other common conditions. Therefore, a history of a known tick bite or possible exposure to ticks is an important piece of information in making a diagnosis. Your doctor will also conduct a physical exam and order tests.

If you have ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis, the following results are likely found from blood tests:

• Low count of white blood cells, which are disease-fighting cells of the immune system
• Low count of blood platelet cells, which are essential for blood-clotting
• Elevated liver enzymes that may indicate abnormal liver function

Tests of your blood may also indicate a tick-borne infection by detecting one of the following:

• Specific genes unique to the bacteria
• Antibodies to the bacteria created by your immune system