A rare occurrence of Anaplasma-associated peritonitis

Abstract

Anaplasmosis or human granulocytic anaplasmosis is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, resulting from an infected tick bite. Examination of a blood smear within the first week of exposure may show microcolonies of anaplasmae (morulae) in the cytoplasm of neutrophils that are highly suggestive of anaplasmosis but not definitive. We present the first case describing Anaplasma-related peritonitis and morulae in peritoneal fluid granulocytes in a peritoneal dialysis patient who developed anaplasmosis.

Keywords: WBC differential; anaplasmosis; granulocytes; morulae; neutrophil; peritonitis.