Neurosyphilis and the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction: A therapy concern with HIV disease

Rajendra Kapila; Robert A Schwartz

doi:10.1111/dth.14839

Neurosyphilis and the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction: A therapy concern with HIV disease

Dermatol Ther. 2021 Mar;34(2):e14839. doi: 10.1111/dth.14839. Epub 2021 Feb 15.

Authors

Rajendra Kapila¹, Robert A Schwartz²

Affiliations

¹ Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
² Medicine, Dermatology, Pathology, and Pediatric, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.

PMID: 33527658
DOI: 10.1111/dth.14839

Abstract

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) should be anticipated in treating neurosyphilis with coexistent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalitis. In that context we have devised a staging classification for JHR. In addition, an illustrative case is provided to emphasize the need to consider the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in HIV patients, and if delineated, to be prepared for a severe JHR.

Keywords: COVID-19; HIV; Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction; neurosyphilis; skin signs of systemic disease; syphilis; therapy-systemic.

MeSH terms

HIV Infections* / complications
HIV Infections* / diagnosis
HIV Infections* / drug therapy
Humans
Neurosyphilis* / diagnosis
Neurosyphilis* / drug therapy
Penicillins
Syphilis*

Substances

Penicillins