Related Experiment Videos

Lepromatous leprosy associated with the use of anti-TNF α therapy: case report

Daniele S Freitas1, Natalia Machado, Fernando V Andrigueti

  • 1Rheumatology Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil.

Revista Brasileira De Reumatologia
|December 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers treat rheumatoid arthritis but increase infection risk. A case report highlights leprosy as a potential adverse event in patients on TNF blockers, especially in Brazil.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers are widely used for chronic inflammatory arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Concerns persist regarding the safety profile and increased risk of infectious diseases associated with TNF blocker therapy.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of lepromatous leprosy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing treatment with TNF blockers.
  • The patient presented with an unusual manifestation of leprosy, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Findings:

  • The development of adverse events, especially infections, requires rigorous monitoring in patients receiving TNF blockers.
  • Leprosy can manifest atypically in patients treated with anti-TNFα therapy.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for infectious diseases, including leprosy, in patients on TNF blockers.
  • Thorough investigation of skin lesions is crucial for early diagnosis and management, particularly in leprosy-endemic areas like Brazil.

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

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...
Antiprotozoal Agents01:21

Antiprotozoal 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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T 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...