The recognition of Ehrlichiosis is complicated by the nonspecific nature of clinical symptoms in infected. The laboratory detection of human Ehrlichiosis is likewise challenging, especially during the early acute phase of the illness.

This is a prospective trial designed to collect a blood sample on 30 patients at the University of Louisville Hospital.  With the goal of develop a real time-PCR assay. The results of the PCR assay will be compared to the serological results to determine validity of the assay along with sensitivity and specificity of the test.

This rapid real-time PCR assay will permit the simultaneous detection and differentiation of the 3 distinct organisms associated with human Ehrlichiosis in the Louisville Metro Area. The ability to detect and differentiate A. phagocytophilum, E. chaffeensis, and E. ewingii in a single reaction will be a significant advancement in providing a prompt and definitive diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis, especially during the early phase of infection.