The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in ocular syphilis
Fathilah, J.; Choo, M.M.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 58(3): 437-439
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 14750386 Document Number: 565242
A patient with ocular syphilis is presented. She experienced deterioration in vision following the commencement of treatment due to a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. This is a transient febrile illness that can occur in patients after the first adequate dose of an anti-microbial drug to treat infectious diseases such as syphilis, Lyme disease and relapsing fever. However, a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurring in a patient receiving treatment for ocular syphilis can be serious, resulting in the rapid loss of vision.