infectious diseases
Epidemic Typhus
Treatment of Epidemic Typhus
Doxycycline Primary treatment of epidemic typhus isdoxycyclineuntil the patient improves, has been afebrile for 24 to 48 hours, and has received treatment for at least 7 days. For patients who do not toleratedoxycycline, desensitization is recommended. is warranted ( Treatment references ). Research indicates that short courses of Chloramphenicolis second-line treatment. Oralchloramphenicolis not available in the United States, and its use can cause adverse hematologic effects, which requires monitoring of blood indices. Severely ill patients with epidemic typhus may have a marked increase in capillary permeability in later stages; thus, IV fluids should be given cautiously to maintain blood pressure while avoiding worsening pulmonary and cerebral edema. 1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information for Healthcare Providers, Typhus Fevers 2.Todd SR, Dahlgren FS, Traeger MS, et al: No visible dental staining in children treated withdoxycyclinefor suspected Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.J Pediatr166(5):1246-51, 2015. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.02.015 