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Treatment of Relapsing fever

The spirochetes are highly sensitive to a range of antibiotics. Antibiotics must be given carefully to avoid a severe reaction, which is similar to that occurring at the end of each period of fever, but is more acute. The reaction occurs particularly in louse-borne relapsing fever and is thought to be due to a release of toxins from the killed spirochetes.

Because of this, treatment must be cautious. The safest antibiotic is a slow-release penicillin, giving a gradual reduction in the spirochetes.

• RabiesRadiationRadiotherapyRaynaud's phenomenonRectal examinationRed blood countReiter's syndromeRelapsing feverRenin testRepetitive strain injuryRespiratory distress syndromeRespiratory tract infectionRespite careRestless leg syndromeRestricted growthRetinal detachmentReye's syndromeRhesus factor diseaseRheumatic feverRheumatoid arthritisRhinitisRicketsRingwormRisks and benefits of treatmentRoot canal treatmentRosaceaRoundwormRubella

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