Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with psoriatic arthritis treated with infliximab: reactivation of a latent infection?

Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Apr;27(4):541-2. doi: 10.1007/s10067-007-0775-y. Epub 2007 Oct 26.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and is an important constituent of the human immune response to infection. We report the case of a 45-year-old man with psoriatic arthritis, receiving treatment with infliximab, who presented with high-grade fever, rigor, splenomegaly, acute reactive proteins, and pancytopenia. The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was established. The patient reported that his dog died from Leishmania infection 5 years ago, while he was living in an area endemic for Leishmania. The use of anti-TNF biologic agent in this patient might result in new infection or reactivation of a latent infection with Leishmania, 5 years after the exposure. A detailed current and past medical history should be obtained of every patient candidate for treatment with biologic agents, and a close monitoring is needed for serious opportunistic infections, including visceral leishmaniasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / complications
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Opportunistic Infections / diagnosis*
  • Opportunistic Infections / etiology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

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