In a group of 17 patients with relapsing erysipelas bacterial vaccine in the form of drops containing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes at a ratio of 1:1:1 was used for treatment. The patient took 10 drops in the morning on fasting according to a schedule written in the calendar. The first course comprised 22 doses, the second one 10 doses after three weeks and the third course after six weeks 5 doses. Maintenance doses (always for a 5-day period) were used at first at two, later up to six-month intervals depending on the clinical condition. Concurrently external drugs were used to treat possible sites of penetration of the infection, i.e. leg ulcers, mycotic infections of the feet and other dermatoses. During the follow up period of 1-6.3 years 12 (70.6 %) patients were free from a relapse of erysipelas, in another five (29.4 %) during the relapse the course was much milder, the temperatures were lower and healing after antibiotic treatment more rapid. It was found that oral vaccination treatment of patients with relapsing erysipelas can have a favourable impact on the subsequent course of the disease.

        Key words: relapsing erysipelas - treatment - oral vaccines