What is the Difference Between Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis?

Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are both tick-borne diseases caused by different bacteria transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. These diseases share some similarities but also have distinct differences.

Lyme Disease:

• Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick.
• Characterized by a bull's-eye rash, fever, chills, severe headache, and fatigue.
• Can lead to neurological, cardiac, and joint complications if left untreated.

Anaplasmosis:

• Caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
• Transmitted by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, the same tick that transmits Lyme disease.
• Formerly known as Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE).
• Characterized by fever, chills, severe headache, malaise, myalgia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and rash (in less than 10% of cases).
• Less severe and life-threatening than Lyme disease, but can still be a serious and sometimes fatal disease.
• More frequent in the Upper Midwest and northeastern United States.

Co-infection with both A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi is possible due to the common vector (tick) involved in transmitting these diseases. Illness may be marked by a more severe course or incomplete response to treatment in cases of co-infection. Prevention of both diseases involves taking measures to avoid tick bites, such as using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Comparative Table: Lyme Disease vs Anaplasmosis

Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are both tick-borne diseases, but they are caused by different bacteria and have distinct symptoms and characteristics. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

Both diseases can be diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests, and they are mainly treated through prescribed antibiotics. Co-infection with Lyme disease and anaplasmosis happens from 2 to 12% of the time.