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Herxheimer Reaction - Endotoxin

According to Merriam-Webster's definition, a Herxheimer reaction is a biological reaction caused as a direct result of using spirocheticidal drugs ( mainly antibiotics ) to treat individuals with a spirochetal disease which results in an increase in the symptoms of the treated condition. Dorlands Medical Dictionary adds that the condition is a short term immunological reaction which causes fever, chills, muscle pain, headaches, and skin lesions. Both Adolph Jerisch, an Australian dermatologist, and Karl Herxheimer, a German dermatologist, are credited with the discovery of the condition, although Jerisch published his findings in1895, seven years earlier than his brother. It is widely recognized that the herxheimer reaction is caused by the release of toxic chemicals ( endotoxin ) released from the cell walls of dying bacteria due to effective treatment. This, in turn, results in a response from the immune system which manifests the symptoms experienced by the individual being treated. The generalized symptoms of a herxheimer reaction, as listed above, are not all inclusive. The severity of the reaction is proportional to the dosage of the drug causing the reaction, and a wide variety of symptoms can result if the waste products reach any specific areas of the body. In such cases, the added symptoms are localized to the area or affected system. Nausea, diarrhea and soreness of the throat may also result.