What serious condition has been associated with Chloramphenicol use?

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that, while effective against a range of bacterial infections, is associated with serious adverse effects, most notably fatal aplastic anemia. This condition occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to a state of pancytopenia. Aplastic anemia can be life-threatening and is particularly concerning because it can develop even after short-term exposure to chloramphenicol.

The mechanism through which chloramphenicol induces aplastic anemia is not entirely understood, but it is thought to involve an immune-mediated response that results in the destruction of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Given the severity of this potential side effect, chloramphenicol is generally reserved for use in serious infections when other treatments are not effective or available, and its use has declined due to the risk of this serious condition.

Other noted side effects of chloramphenicol include liver toxicity and severe allergic reactions. However, these are less commonly associated with chloramphenicol compared to the serious incidence of aplastic anemia, which is why that particular option stands out as the most severe and significant risk associated with this medication.