title: Active CMV infection in two patients with multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab.
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.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, Neurology Unit, University of Torino, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.
authors.forename: Marinella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clerico
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, Neurology Unit, University of Torino, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De Mercanti
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, Neurology Unit, University of Torino, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Artusi
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Biological Sciences Department, Neurology Unit, University of Torino, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Durelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Naismith
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000074323:Alemtuzumab
keywords: Multiple sclerosis; alemtuzumab; cytomegalovirus; cytomegalovirus reactivation; herpes virus; multiple sclerosis treatment