Development of leprosy and type 1 leprosy reactions after treatment with infliximab: a report of 2 cases

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Jul 15;43(2):e19-22. doi: 10.1086/505222. Epub 2006 Jun 9.

Abstract

Humanized monoclonal antibodies to tumor necrosis factor- alpha are valuable for the treatment of rheumatologic conditions, but they have been associated with the development of serious infections. We report the first 2 cases of leprosy developing after treatment with infliximab. After discontinuation of infliximab, both patients developed type 1 ("reversal") leprosy reactions.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / immunology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Leprostatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Leprosy, Borderline / chemically induced
  • Leprosy, Borderline / etiology*
  • Leprosy, Borderline / microbiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

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