3 ms·

> So I think that probably syphilis is only one example of an infection that leads to an altered mental state, and there's no reason to assume that because some

> So I think that probably syphilis is only one example of an infection that leads to an altered mental state, and there's no reason to assume that because something is treatable with penicillin, that is is necessarily syphilis. I don't doubt this at all however: > I've also seen a cancer patient on chemo with symptoms that resemble some forms of psychosis, and of course that is someone who is immuno-compromised and susceptible to opportunistic infections. this might simply be due to the stress of a life changing, life threatening event. Couldn't it be?

perl4ever 8y ago
No. I'm not talking about something like shock moments after being diagnosed, I'm referring to cognitive issues that developed later, in someone who was terminally ill and suffering the effects of both the cancer and the chemo. And, you know, people get worse and better and then worse so the contrast is clear. Especially when the treatment is massive amounts of antibiotics, vancomycin among others, I think?