Vol.21 No.3

Case Report

Infliximab and brucellosis: not the usual suspects, this time

Authors

Ozgur Akgul1 , Salih Ozgocmen1

  • Division of Rheumatology, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Gevher Nesibe Hospital, Erciyes University, Romatoloji BD, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey
Received:

2 August 2010

Accepted:

14 November 2010

Published online:

18 January 2011

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Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in the host defense mechanism, and anti-TNF antibody therapies may increase the risk of serious infections. We herein report a case of 57-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis who developed brucellosis during treatment with infliximab in combination with methotrexate and a low-dose steroid. Brucellosis should be kept in mind, particularly in endemic areas, in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy. Clinicians should be aware of brucellosis symptoms and ways of contamination and should warn their patients. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment may prevent a possible poor course of the disease in immunocompromised patients.

Key words

Brucellosis - Rheumatoid arthritis - Infliximab