Propionibacterium acnes-associated Sarcoidosis Possibly Initially Triggered by Interferon-alpha Therapy

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Immunology
• Dermatology

Background:

• A 46-year-old woman with uveitis presented with respiratory symptoms.
• Her history included bilateral hilar mediastinal lymphadenopathy and pulmonary nodules during interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C.

Observation:

• Five years post-treatment, recurrence of lymphadenopathy and nodules was observed.
• Biopsy of subcutaneous nodules revealed non-caseating epithelioid granulomas with positive PAB staining.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of sarcoidosis associated with Propionibacterium acnes.
• The condition may have been initially triggered by interferon-alpha therapy.

Implications:

• Understanding interferon-triggered P. acnes-associated sarcoidosis can elucidate sarcoidosis immunopathogenesis.
• This case highlights potential iatrogenic causes of sarcoidosis.