Tick-Borne Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Case of Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury Due to Anaplasmosis

Cureus. 2023 Feb 10;15(2):e34835. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34835. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne illness commonly seen in the northeastern states of the United States. The most common presenting signs are fever, malaise, and body aches accompanied by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury are rare presentations that can lead to significant morbidity. We present the case of a patient who presented with non-specific symptoms of malaise, fatigue, and body aches and was found to have rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury on laboratory workup. A presumptive diagnosis of anaplasmosis was made, and the patient was started on treatment for the same. The patient recovered successfully. Our case highlights the rare presentation of anaplasmosis with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. Physician awareness is needed for early diagnosis and preventing morbidity.

Keywords: aki; anaplasmosis; infectious disease; infectious disease pathology; tick borne infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports