Leishmaniasis, autoimmune rheumatic disease, and anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy, Europe

Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Jun;15(6):956-9. doi: 10.3201/eid1506.090101.

Abstract

We report 2 cases of leishmaniasis in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Greece. To assess trends in leishmaniasis reporting in this patient population, we searched the literature for similar reports from Europe. Reports increased during 2004-2008, especially for patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / complications
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Infliximab
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification
  • Leishmaniasis / etiology*
  • Leishmaniasis / parasitology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rheumatic Diseases / complications
  • Rheumatic Diseases / immunology
  • Rheumatic Diseases / therapy*
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab