Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction After Cephalosporin Administration in Syphilis

Abstract

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a well-described entity most commonly occurring after the treatment of syphilis with penicillin. Patients often experience flu-like symptoms, in addition to worsening of cutaneous manifestations of syphilis. Severe reactions are uncommon but may include signs of exaggerated systemic inflammatory response. We report a case of a 33-year-old male with secondary syphilis who was treated with ceftriaxone and subsequently developed fluid-refractory hypotension requiring vasopressor administration and intensive care unit admission. To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe hypotension as a result of JHR in a patient with syphilis who was treated with cephalosporin antibiotics.