Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the surface molecule CD52, resulting in a rapid depletion of innate and adaptive immune cells. Infection rates in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment trials were higher in alemtuzumab than in interferon beta-treated patients. We report two MS patients who developed cytomegalovirus disease within 1 month after the first 5-day cycle of alemtuzumab. Upon identification and appropriate treatment of the infection, each recovered completely. Neurologists should be aware of this serious but treatable complication.

Active CMV infection in two patients with multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab

CLERICO, Marinella
First
;
DE MERCANTI, STEFANIA FEDERICA;ARTUSI, Carlo Alberto;DURELLI, Luca;
2017-01-01

Abstract

Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the surface molecule CD52, resulting in a rapid depletion of innate and adaptive immune cells. Infection rates in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment trials were higher in alemtuzumab than in interferon beta-treated patients. We report two MS patients who developed cytomegalovirus disease within 1 month after the first 5-day cycle of alemtuzumab. Upon identification and appropriate treatment of the infection, each recovered completely. Neurologists should be aware of this serious but treatable complication.
2017
23
6
874
876
Multiple sclerosis; alemtuzumab; cytomegalovirus; cytomegalovirus reactivation; herpes virus; multiple sclerosis treatment
Clerico, Marinella; De Mercanti, Stefania; Artusi, Carlo Alberto; Durelli, Luca; Naismith, Robert T
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1633293
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