Levamisole as an immunopotentiator for T cell deficiency

Levamisole, a widely used antihelminthic drug has been shown to restore cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity in anergic patients with cancer and to amplify the activation of T lymphocytes by in vitro mitogens. Levamisole has been approved for the treatment of colon cancer in combination with 5 Fluorouracil. Herein we report a case of a 5 1/2 y.o. male who presented with a fulminant, disseminated mycobacterial infection of his joints secondary to a deficiency in his cellular mediated immunity in association with chemotherapy for a T cell leukemia. The patient was treated with Levamisole resulting in restoration of his T cell functions and resolution of his mycobacterial infection.