Tularemia presenting as suspected necrotic arachnidism.

The true danger of the spider bite stems from misdiagnosis and resultant delay in proper treatment of entities that, unlike spider bites, are not self-limited. Obtaining a complete exposure and travel history is central to the development of an accurate and appropriate differential diagnosis.

Antiviral medications for the treatment of hepatitis B and C infection and their effects on kidney function.

Over the last decade, treatment options for chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection have markedly evolved. Several Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs are now available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, including immunomodulators (standard and pegylated interferon alpha), nucleoside analogues (lamivudine, entecavir and telbivudine) and nucleotide analogues (adefovir dipivoxil and tenofovir). For hepatitis C, the FDA-approved therapies include peginterferon-α, ribavirin, boceprevir, telaprevir, simeprevir and sofosbuvir with expected approval of more agents in the foreseeable future.