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Cryptococcal meningitis in a patient treated with infliximab
Patricia Muñoz1, Maddalena Giannella, Maricela Valerio
1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, University of Madrid, 28007 Madrid, Spain. pmunoz@micro.hggm.es
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Infliximab, a TNF-alpha inhibitor, is linked to rare fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and pneumonia. Fortunately, all reported cases showed favorable outcomes with prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infliximab, a biologic therapy targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), is widely used for inflammatory diseases.
- Immunosuppression associated with infliximab therapy can increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A case of cryptococcal meningitis is presented in a patient receiving infliximab and other immunosuppressants.
- A review identified five additional cases of cryptococcal infections in patients on infliximab therapy.
Findings:
- All reported cases, including the index case, involved fungal pneumonia.
- Cryptococcal meningitis was observed in one patient undergoing infliximab treatment.
Implications:
- This highlights the potential risk of cryptococcosis, including meningitis and pneumonia, in patients treated with infliximab.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in these opportunistic infections.
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