phagocytophila
Phagocytophila is a historical term for a group of small, obligate intracellular bacteria now classified as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the etiologic agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. Modern taxonomy places this organism in the family Anaplasmataceae. The name phagocytophila appears in older literature, but the species is typically referred to as Anaplasma phagocytophilum in current use.
Biology and lifecycle: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a gram-negative, pleomorphic bacterium that infects neutrophils in humans and
Transmission and reservoirs: The primary transmission route is through tick bites, especially by Ixodes species such
Clinical features: In humans, infection is known as granulocytic anaplasmosis and presents with fever, headache, myalgia,
Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention: Diagnosis relies on serology (such as paired sera) and molecular methods (PCR)