Abstract Eculizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb), is used for the treatment of patients (both adults and children) with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This mAb… Click to show full abstract
Abstract Eculizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb), is used for the treatment of patients (both adults and children) with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This mAb binds to complement protein 5 (C5), thereby inhibiting its cleavage. On the other hand, one of the C5 cleavage products, C5a, is a potent anaphylatoxin with proinflammatory properties, involved in antimicrobial surveillance. Administration of eculizumab has been reported to make patients more susceptible to infection by encapsulated bacteria. Here, we are reporting an adult case of disseminated infection due to the encapsulated yeast Cryptococcus neoformans following eculizumab therapy and discuss its pathogenesis.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.