Herp zoster at the site of infliximab infusion: case report

Abstract

Worldwide, many patients have been treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists for indications that include chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and others. Since their approval, concerns regarding safety have been raised. Increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, especially due to intracellular bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is responsible for the most serious complications associated with this treatment. Viral infections are less frequently reported but probably relatively common, representing an important cause of morbidity to remember. Varicella zoster virus is one of the most frequently implicated viruses. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with Crohn’s disease under infliximab treatment who developed herpes zoster at the site of infliximab’s 7th and 9th infusion.

Keywords::

• Herpes Zoster
• Infliximab
• anti-TNF-α