Relapsing Fever

Overview

4.2 out of 5 (4 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

1 Sep 2023

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Relapsing fever typically refers to malaria-like illnesses caused by various spirochetes belonging to Borrelia species and characterized by recurrent fevers, chills, and malaise. The causative organism and associated vector vary based on the geographic area of exposure. Borrelia recurrentis is the cause of epidemic relapsing fever, which is reported most frequently in northern and eastern Africa. Tick-borne relapsing fever is reported in the United States and can be caused by several species, including Borrelia hermsii, Borrelia turicatae, and Borrelia parkeri. Regardless of the specific causative organism, relapsing fever is treated with doxycycline 100 milligrams (mg) twice a day for seven to ten days. In children under eight years of age, penicillin or erythromycin may be preferred agents due to the concern of dental staining with doxycycline use. It is important to observe patients for several hours after the initiation of antibiotic therapy, as Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is common. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is a sepsis-like response to the release of inflammatory contents from within the bacteria after lysis by antibiotics. It is rarely fatal and managed with supportive care. This reaction is more common in adolescents than in younger children. Borrelia infections may also be self-limited and resolve without treatment in some cases.

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Review the typical presentation of relapsing fever.
  • Describe the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.
  • Describe the treatment of relapsing fever.
  • Describe how enhanced coordination of the interprofessional team can lead to more rapid detection of relapsing fever and subsequently enhance the detection of pathology and allow for prompt initiation of treatment.
  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to Relapsing Fever

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

kenneth h. on 12/13/2022

Dr.NIRMALA M. on 12/31/2022

Bashiru B. on 2/26/2023

Christine G. on 2/6/2024

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