Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is the body's response to endotoxin from decayed spirochetes Treponema pallidum in the treatment of syphilis. It manifests as fever, headache, and muscle aches. It responds favorably to treatment with corticoids.

In general, it is a worsening of the symptoms of the infection after the start of its specific treatment (e.g., antibiotics) due to the massive breakdown of bacteria. The substances released from the decaying bodies of the bacteria are toxic and provoke an immune response. This can be observed, for example, in the treatment of typhoid fever, Lyme disease, etc...

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