Blood Smear Uncovers Tick-Borne Infection

Peripheral blood smear and PCR findings identify anaplasmosis complicated by myocarditis

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A case report details a 79-year-old man diagnosed with tick-borne anaplasmosis and acute myocarditis after presenting with fatigue and chills.
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Laboratory findings included lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes, prompting consideration of tick-borne infections.
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A peripheral blood smear revealed intracytoplasmic morulae in neutrophils, leading to PCR confirmation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
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The patient developed acute myocarditis, confirmed by elevated troponin levels and imaging, but improved rapidly with doxycycline treatment.
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Anaplasmosis incidence is rising in Canada, and it should be considered in patients with unexplained febrile illness in endemic regions.

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