Human monocytic ehrlichiosis complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.

ABSTRACT

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis can manifest as a disease causing multi-organ failure. Rarely, it can cause secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment for both ehrlichiosis and HLH is lifesaving. Therefore, clinical suspicion of HLH must remain high in the setting of an ehrlichiosis infection.