Relapsing Fever: New Lessons About Antibiotic Action

Editorials1 March 1985Relapsing Fever: New Lessons About Antibiotic ActionTHOMAS BUTLER, M.D.THOMAS BUTLER, M.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-102-3-397 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptAntimicrobial drugs in widespread use are assumed to be beneficial for many infections. Although untoward effects, including toxic and allergic reactions, have been emphasized, the possible exacerbation of the disease against which the drug is used is less well known. This kind of reaction is exemplified by the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction and occurs commonly after treatment of syphilis and relapsing fever. It is important that physicians be aware of the reaction because some patients after receiving antibiotic treatment will worsen before they are cured. Recent research on relapsing fever has clarified…