Which laboratory finding may be seen in Ehrlichiosis?

Which laboratory finding may be seen in Ehrlichiosis?

• A. Leukocytosis
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Leukopenia

Answer: (D)

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infection that targets white blood cells, leading to cytopenias rather than a rise in counts. The bacteria reside inside leukocytes, and the body’s response often results in a lower circulating white cell count. Leukopenia is a common lab finding and is frequently seen together with thrombocytopenia and mild liver enzyme elevations. Hyperkalemia and hyperglycemia are not typical features of this illness, and leukocytosis would be less expected given the intracellular involvement of leukocytes and associated marrow suppression. So a reduced white blood cell count best fits the typical laboratory pattern in ehrlichiosis.

Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne infection that targets white blood cells, leading to cytopenias rather than a rise in counts. The bacteria reside inside leukocytes, and the body’s response often results in a lower circulating white cell count. Leukopenia is a common lab finding and is frequently seen together with thrombocytopenia and mild liver enzyme elevations. Hyperkalemia and hyperglycemia are not typical features of this illness, and leukocytosis would be less expected given the intracellular involvement of leukocytes and associated marrow suppression. So a reduced white blood cell count best fits the typical laboratory pattern in ehrlichiosis.