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Cryptococcal meningitis associated with interleukin-17 inhibitor use for psoriasis
Joseph Driver1, Marcus Zaayman2, Annika Silfvast-Kaiser3
1College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Dermatologic Therapy
|May 31, 2022
Summary
Invasive fungal infections are a rare risk of biologic therapy. This case highlights cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent patient on ixekizumab for psoriasis, emphasizing IL-17
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Biologic therapies, particularly those targeting interleukin-17 (IL-17), are effective for severe plaque psoriasis.
- While generally safe, invasive fungal infections are a rare but serious potential complication of immunosuppressive biologic treatments.
Observation:
- A case of cryptococcal meningitis is presented in an otherwise immunocompetent patient undergoing treatment with ixekizumab for severe plaque psoriasis.
- This patient experienced a severe fungal infection despite no apparent underlying immunodeficiency.
Findings:
- This report details the first known instance of cryptococcal meningitis associated with ixekizumab therapy.
- The case underscores the potential for invasive fungal infections even in patients considered immunocompetent.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain vigilance for invasive fungal infections in patients receiving IL-17 inhibitors like ixekizumab.
- Understanding the immunologic role of IL-17 is crucial for managing risks associated with biologic therapies and therapy transitions.
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