Severe adenovirus pneumonia (AVP) following infliximab infusion for the treatment of Crohn's disease

J Infect. 2007 Jan;54(1):e29-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2006.03.025. Epub 2006 May 5.

Abstract

We report a case of severe AVP three weeks following the administration of infliximab for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Since the introduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists, various microbiologic agents have been reported to cause pneumonia following their administration. To our knowledge, AVP following therapy with TNF-alpha antagonists has not been reported in English literature. We present a brief review of the mechanism of action of TNF-alpha antagonists and their ability to predispose to various infections including viral pneumonia by interfering with the immune response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Crohn Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Viral / etiology*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • United States

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab