Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
10:02
Isolation and Purification of Fungal β-Glucan as an Immunotherapy Strategy for Glioblastoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
2.1K
A Case of Fingolimod-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis
Ilad Alavi Darazam1,2, Mohammad Mahdi Rabiei1,2, Omid Moradi3
1Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Current HIV Research
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Fingolimod therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause leukopenia, increasing infection risk. This case highlights a rare instance of fingolimod-associated cryptococcal meningitis, emphasizing cautious use and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fingolimod is a disease-modifying therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
- Leukopenia, a known adverse effect of Fingolimod, can predispose patients to opportunistic infections.
- Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare but serious opportunistic infection that can occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 39-year-old female RRMS patient presented with headache, fever, and declining consciousness.
- The patient was on Fingolimod therapy after a prior switch from Interferon Beta-1a.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans infection.
Findings:
- Fingolimod-associated cryptococcal meningitis was diagnosed.
- The patient received treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole.
- The patient recovered and was discharged without significant complications.
Implications:
- Fingolimod therapy requires careful patient selection and monitoring due to the risk of opportunistic infections like cryptococcal meningitis.
- Regular monitoring of blood lymphocyte counts and clinical manifestations is crucial in MS patients treated with Fingolimod.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent severe neurological and physical disabilities.
