Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
[Cutaneous leishmaniasis in rheumatoid arthritis]
I Hachicha1, M Sellami, H Fourati
1Service de rhumatologie, CHU Hédi Chaker, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia. mainouhachicha@yahoo.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|March 17, 2009
Summary
The prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis is rising in immunocompromised individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate and prednisone may face increased risk, with antimony therapy often effective.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis, a protozoal infection, is increasingly prevalent.
- Immunocompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to this parasitic disease.
Observation:
- Four rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate and prednisone developed cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Three patients responded favorably to antimony therapy while continuing their immunosuppressive medications.
Findings:
- Rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroid therapy, and methotrexate were identified as predisposing factors.
- Antimony therapy demonstrated efficacy in most cases of iatrogenic cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of monitoring for leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients with autoimmune diseases.
- Suggests that immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of opportunistic infections like leishmaniasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...