Updated:
March 31, 2026
How to Treat Ehrlichia and Anaplasma in Lyme Disease
In my experience treating Ehrlichia and Anaplasma, two Lyme disease co-infections, requires
- prescription antibiotics,
- steps to boost the immune system, and
- supplements to decrease inflammation caused by chemicals called cytokines.
Fortunately, these germs are easy to eliminate in most people who have Lyme disease.
Boost the Immune System and Decrease Inflammation
It is critical for Ehrlichia and Anaplasma recovery to take steps that boost the immune system. Do the first 10 steps in The Ross Lyme Support Protocol. These steps are designed to
- correct sleep,
- decrease inflammatory cytokines,
- help the immune system adapt to stress,
- correct hormone imbalances,
- provide essential micronutrients, and
- remove yeast overgrowth in the intestines, if present.
Ehrlichia and Anaplasma Antibiotics
Herbal antibiotics for Ehrlichia or Anaplasma are not effective; no meaningful research shows they work. Furthermore, in my clinical experience, herbal antibiotics do not work effectively for these infections.
A review of the National Library of Medicine research database and recommendations from the CDC shows two antibiotics are effective. Of these, doxycycline is the preferred choice.
- Doxycycline 100 mg 1 pill 2 times a day in adults for both infections for 2 to 4 weeks. In my experience, doxycycline works very well nearly all the time.
- Rifampin 300 mg 2 pills 1 time a day. Use this if someone is allergic to doxycycline.
These same antibiotics are useful in children at doses adjusted for a child’s weight. Note: research shows doxycycline used for three weeks does not stain teeth.
In my experience, 2-4 weeks of doxycycline eliminates Anaplasma and Ehrlichia. I do not see relapses of either of these infections once treatment is completed.
Disclaimer
The ideas and recommendations on this website and in this article are for informational purposes only. For more information about this, see the sitewide Terms & Conditions.
References
About The Author
Dr. Marty Ross, MD is a passionate Lyme disease educator and clinical expert. He helps Lyme sufferers and their physicians see what really works based on his review of the science and extensive real-world experience. Dr. Ross is licensed to practice medicine in Washington State (License: MD00033296) where he has treated thousands of Lyme disease patients in his Seattle practice.
Dr. Marty Ross, MD is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and Georgetown University Family Medicine Residency. He is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The Institute for Functional Medicine, and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).