Case Study 3
A healthy 20-year-old female from southeast Missouri presented with a fever of 104° F, vomiting, and diarrhea. She had a red, maculopapular rash that began on her face and blanched when touched. Laboratory findings include:
- WBC: 4.9 x 109/mL
- Hgb: 10.9 g/dL
- Platelets: 102 x 109/mL
- Hyponatremia
- Mildly elevated liver enzymes
Additionally, inclusion bodies were seen in the cytoplasm of monocytes on her peripheral blood smear. The diagnosis was confirmed with PCR. What is the suspected pathogen in this case?
Please select the single best answer