Herpes simplex virus encephalitis during treatment with etanercept
Robbert H J Crusio1, Stephanie V Singson, Faysal Haroun
1From the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors, like etanercept, increase infection risk. This case highlights TNF-α inhibitors
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- TNF-α inhibitors are crucial for inflammatory diseases.
- These therapies are linked to heightened infection susceptibility.
Observation:
- A patient on etanercept developed herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis.
- This case prompted a review of TNF-α's role in HSV encephalitis.
Findings:
- TNF-α plays a role in controlling HSV-1.
- Inhibiting TNF-α may impair the immune response against HSV-1, leading to encephalitis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider HSV encephalitis risk in patients on TNF-α inhibitors.
- Further research is needed on balancing immunosuppression and infection risk.
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