Final answer:
Doxycycline is the recommended treatment for hastening recovery in patients with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Treatment with doxycycline has been shown to hasten recovery in patients with Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). RMSF is a severe illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted through tick bites. The diagnosis of RMSF can be challenging because it mimics other diseases, but it typically involves symptoms assessment, fluorescent antibody staining of a rash biopsy, PCR for Rickettsia rickettsii, and serologic testing. While chloramphenicol can serve as a second choice, doxycycline is the primary recommended antibiotic for treating RMSF and should be initiated promptly to avoid severe complications or death.