AHMF: 1999 Jadin Abstract

The Rickettsial Approach in Treatment of Patients for CFS, FM, RA, Neurological Dysfunction

Dr C.L. Jadin MD MBBCH

PO Box 4417
Randburg 2125,
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 460 1670
Fax: +27 11 460 0209
E-mail: gerinjadin@icon.co.za

Extensive research on rickettsioses has taken place over the last 6 decades by French, Polish and Russian scientist, following the lead of Prof Charles Nicolle (Institute Pasteur). They have published their research in detail, but unfortunately only in French. The fairly recently recognised syndrome, CFS, (the first occurrence of which was discovered in Nevada1, as was RMSF2) has given us a perfect opportunity to build on these scientists' research.

The diversity of symptoms displayed by CFS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and neurological dysfunction sufferers is as confusing as the diversity of symptoms of CRI (chronic rickettsial infection)3.

Diagnosis of CRI is established by the Giroud micro-agglutination test (Prof Giroud;, Pasteur Institute) against 5 different antigens: R. Prowazeki, R. Mooseri, R. Conori, R. Burnetti and neo rickettsia chlamydia 18. As well as this test, we find the following blood tests most relevant: liver function, thyroid antibodies, CPR, RF, ANF, mycoplasma (after the Manly Congress 1998).

The patients' syndromes most commonly exhibited are tiredness, myalgia, arthralgia, headaches, memory and concentration problems, psychological and neurological disorders, vision abnormalities, nausea, dizziness, loss of balance, recurrent sore throat, bruising, sweats, Raynaud syndrome. The physical examination often shows an inflamed throat, multiple adenopathies, heart abnormalities, RIF tenderness.

Since January 1991, 3,800 patients have been treated with a 7 days/month regime of tetracyclines plus adjuvants and exercises. The tetracyclines' dosages are high2, 4-7. They are alternated5-7, and combined6, 8, with macrolides, metronidazole and quinolones. The treatment takes from 6 months to 3 years3-5, 7, 8, 10, 11. The success rate is very satisfactory as reported in Manly last year; no toxicity has been reported and after the first three months the treatment is generally well tolerated.

1. Mauff & Gon (1991) CFS in Incline Village SAMJ
2. D.Raoult, D.Raoult, & P.J. Levy, T.L. Khavkin, R.J. Harrison, M.R. Yeaman (1990) Annales New York Academy of Sciences 590(1): p33-50, p51-59, p85, p285, p297
3. J.B. Jadin & P. Bottero (1987) Acta Mediterranea di Pathologica Infectiva Tropicale 6(3)
4. J. Gear, Monteiro, S. Nicolau, J.G. Bernard, N.R. Grist, A. MasBernard, Roche (1963) Bulletin Societe de Pathologie Exotique
5. P. Le Gag, J.B. Jadin, P. Bottero, C. Bourde, C. Bourde & Delano, Aymard (1986) Clinique de la Residence du Paris
6. P. Giroud, J.B. Jadin Extrait Bull. Acad. Nat. M*decine 158(1)
7. D. Raoult (1991) European Journal of Epidemiology
8. J.B. Jadin (1963) Acadamie Royale des Sciences d'Outre Mer 6
9. J.B. Jadin (1962) Annal. Soc. Belge Med. Tropicale Au Sujet des Maladies Rickettsiennes 3
10. 10Braude Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology 2nd Ed.
11. T. Brouqui et al (1993) Chronic Q Fever Archive of Internal Medicine 153