title: Letter: Human papilloma virus and molluscum contagiosum lesions related to infliximab therapy for psoriasis: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Biological therapy for psoriasis exerts its action via an immunomodulatory and eventually immunosuppressive mode. Immunosuppression is linked to HPV flares. Our purpose is to investigate a possible relationship between infliximab therapy for psoriasis and human papilloma virus and molluscum (HPV/MC) infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case series of three patients with psoriasis on infliximab, who developed HPV/MC lesions following their treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our patients developed HPV/MC lesions within a few months after the initiation of infliximab infusions for psoriasis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Immunosuppresion is related to HPV/MC flares. Biological therapy and in particular infliximab treatment acts by immunomodulation and eventually a degree of immunosuppression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anti-TNF treatment could be associated with HPV and/or MC flares. For this reason, we suggest the consideration of obtaining a routine cervical PAP smear before the commencement and during treatment with anti-TNF agents for psoriasis.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Georgala
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Katoulis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kanelleas
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Befon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Georgala
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D000069285:Infliximab; D008297:Male; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000276:immunology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069285:Infliximab