title: Listeria Meningitis Complicating Alemtuzumab Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis--Report of Two Cases.
abstract: Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the surface molecule CD52, leads to a rapid depletion of immune cells in the innate and adaptive immune system. In phase 2 and 3 trials in multiple sclerosis (MS), infections have been reported more frequently in alemtuzumab than in interferon beta treated patients. Here we report two patients treated with alemtuzumab for MS developing Listeria meningitis few days after the first infusion cycle. Both patients recovered completely after prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment. Physicians and patients should be aware of this serious, but treatable complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm 89081, Germany. rau.daniela@gmx.de.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rau
authors.affiliation: Neuropoint Patient Academy, Neurological Practice Center, Ulm 89073, Germany. lang@neurologie-ulm.de.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Military Hospital, Ulm 89081, Germany. AndreasHarth@bundeswehr.org.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harth
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg 86156, Germany. Markus.naumann@klinikum-augsburg.de.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naumann
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Military Hospital, Ulm 89081, Germany. frankweber@bundeswehr.org.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm 89081, Germany. Hayrettin.Tumani@rku.de.
authors.forename: Hayrettin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tumani
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Klinikum Augsburg, Augsburg 86156, Germany. antonios.bayas@klinikum-augsburg.de.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bayas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008584:Meningitis, Listeria / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000074323:Alemtuzumab
keywords: Listeria monocytogenes; alemtuzumab; meningitis; multiple sclerosis