ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to list therapeutic regimens for specific disease entities. Some scattered information has emerged demonstrating the beneficial effect of fever on the survival of infected lizards, on the function of the immune system, on viral titers and clearance, and on the activity of several antimicrobials on certain bacteria. Antipyretic drugs reduce fever by lowering the hypothalamic set point towards normal; therefore, this is the most rational and physiologic approach to fever reduction. Fever may be reduced by pharmacologic measures, i.e., the use of antipyretic drugs, or by environmental measures, such as external cooling. It was recently recommended that such patients receive amphotericin B if fever persists beyond 7 days of empiric antibacterial therapy. For most antibacterial and antifungal regimens, it is possible to judge the results within 5 to 7 days, whereas antituberculous therapy requires at least two weeks before a conclusion can be reached.
