Coccidioidomycosis pneumonia in a nonendemic area associated with infliximab

Mahmood Dweik, Bruce A. Baethge, Alexander G. Duarte

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, such as infliximab, are highly effective in the management of rheumatoid arthritis; however, these agents are associated with an increased risk of infectious complications. Individuals developing coccidiomycosis pneumonia frequently acquire this while residing in endemic regions. We present a patient with rheumatoid arthritis treated with infliximab who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from coccidiomycosis pneumonia while residing in a nonendemic region near the Texas-Louisiana border and was successfully treated with antifungal therapy. The source for coccidiomycosis was suspected to be from inhalation of pulverized rock dust imported from Arizona. Patients treated with TNF inhibitors may acquire coccidiomycosis infection through fomite dust exposure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)517-518
Number of pages2
JournalSouthern medical journal
Volume100
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2007

Keywords

  • Coccidiomycosis
  • Infliximab
  • Pneumonia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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