Interferon-gamma Immunotherapy in a Patient With Refractory Disseminated Candidiasis

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2015 Dec;34(12):1391-4. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000000909.

Abstract

Despite advances in supportive care and novel antifungal agents, mortality caused by invasive Candida infection is high. A 3-year-old boy with disseminated Candida dubliniensis infection during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia deteriorated despite resolution of neutropenia and appropriate antifungal treatment. Monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR expression was extremely low, suggesting immunoparalysis. Adjuvant immunotherapy with interferon-gamma restored the immune response, which was accompanied by clinical and radiographic recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain / pathology
  • Candidiasis / drug therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Induction Chemotherapy
  • Interferon-gamma / administration & dosage
  • Interferon-gamma / therapeutic use*
  • Leukemia / drug therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male

Substances

  • Interferon-gamma

Supplementary concepts

  • Systemic candidiasis