An unusual complication in ulcerative colitis during treatment with azathioprine and infliximab: Isospora belli as 'Casus belli'.

Abstract

The treatment of ulcerative colitis is based on systemic corticosteroids, immunomodulators such as cyclosporine and azathioprine and TNF-α antagonists. Patients undergoing such immunosuppressive treatment are more susceptible for infectious pathogens. Here, we report the case of a patient with a 13-year history of ulcerative colitis, treated initially with systemic corticosteroids in combination with immunomodulators, and subsequently with infliximab. The patient presented with severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and low-grade fever. Stool examinations for cytomegalovirus, bacteria and parasites were negative. Following detection of numerous oocytes of Isospora belli (IB) in direct smear preparations of the diarrhoeic stool samples, the patient was successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole).

• Authors: Juergen Stein, Egbert Tannich, Franz Hartmann
• Journal: BMJ case reports (BMJ Case Rep) Vol. 2013 (May 24 2013) ISSN: 1757-790X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23709557 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
• Infliximab
• Azathioprine

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Azathioprine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Colitis, Ulcerative (complications, drug therapy)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Infliximab
• Isosporiasis (complications, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome
• Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination (therapeutic use)