Natalizumab and HSV meningitis.
Author(s): Shenoy ES, Mylonakis E, Hurtado RM, Venna N
Affiliation(s): Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Gray-Jackson 504, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. eseiguershenoy@partners.org
Publication date & source: 2011-06, J Neurovirol., 17(3):288-90. Epub 2011 Apr 13.
Publication type: Case Reports
Natalizumab (Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan Pharmaceuticals) is a monoclonal antibody approved for use in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as moderate to severe Crohn's disease. We report the first case of a patient with a history of MS, on monthly natalizumab, who developed HSV-2 meningitis. We discuss the mechanism of action of natalizumab and review what is known about the reactivation of herpes infection in association with this medication. The question of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) prophylaxis for patients is raised.
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