Changes in intra-vascular complement and anti-treponemal antibody titres preceding the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in secondary syphilis
Fulford, K.W.; Johnson, N.; Loveday, C.; Storey, J.; Tedder, R.S.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 24(3): 483-491
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 780021 Document Number: 102990
Six patients with secondary syphilis and control subject were observed over a period of up to 8 h following the administration of penicillin or erythromycin. Serial clinical observations were made and blood samples obtained for complement (C) and serological analysis. The patients showed Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions (JHR) of varying intensity which were preceded by, and paralled in degree, certain changes in C and syphilitic antibody titers. Falls in total hemolytic C, in C4 antibodies. C3 conversion was found in the 2 patients that suffered severe reactions. Immune complexes were not detected. C activation apparently occurred in the extravascular body compartment. The significance of these changes in relation to other plasma enzyme systems and to the development of the full clinical picture of the JHR is discussed.