A patient has a high fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. A blood smear shows WBCs with large basophilic, spherical cellular inclusions. Which of the following is a likely cause for these findings?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The combination of fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes is consistent with a viral or bacterial infection. Large basophilic, spherical cellular inclusions are characteristic of Ehrlichia sp. infection. Toxic drugs and severe burns can cause similar symptoms, but would not result in the appearance of cellular inclusions. Malaria infection can cause thrombocytopenia and liver abnormalities, but the WBC morphology would not show basophilic inclusions.

A Patient Has a High Fever, Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, and Elevated