Final answer:
Serum sickness is a type of immune complex reaction that can occur in response to certain antibiotics, including penicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides. The body's immune system forms immune complexes that can deposit in tissues, causing inflammation and symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. It is important to seek medical attention if serum sickness is suspected.
Step-by-step explanation:
Serum sickness is a type of immune complex reaction that can occur in response to certain medications, including antibiotics. While any medication has the potential to cause serum sickness, some of the most commonly associated antibiotics include penicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides.
In serum sickness, the body's immune system mounts an immune response against the medication and forms immune complexes. These immune complexes can deposit in tissues throughout the body, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and swollen glands.
It is important to note that not everyone who takes these antibiotics will develop serum sickness, and other medications can also potentially cause this reaction. If a person develops symptoms of serum sickness, they should seek medical attention for further evaluation and management.