Molluscum contagiosum in the setting of Fingolimod: The experience at one institution

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Fingolimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator used for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Fingolimod is known to be associated with opportunistic infections, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and cryptococcal meningitis.
• Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between fingolimod treatment and the development of molluscum contagiosum infections in multiple sclerosis patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a multiple sclerosis patient database.
• Identification of patients who developed molluscum contagiosum while undergoing fingolimod therapy.

Main Results:

• Eight patients receiving fingolimod treatment were identified with molluscum contagiosum infections.
• This suggests a potential link between fingolimod and this specific opportunistic infection.

Conclusions:

• Fingolimod treatment may be associated with an increased risk of molluscum contagiosum.
• This association might be a class effect of S1P receptor modulators.
• Molluscum contagiosum, though not life-threatening, can cause patient distress and may require fingolimod discontinuation.