Adjuvant interferon-gamma immunotherapy in a patient with progressive cerebral Nocardia abscesses

Int J Infect Dis. 2017 Jun:59:25-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.03.013. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

Abstract

Despite advances in medical care, mortality due to cerebral Nocardia abscesses remains unacceptably high. The case of a typical immunocompromised patient, who deteriorated clinically despite optimal antimicrobial treatment, is reported here. Adjuvant immunotherapy with interferon-gamma resulted in partial restoration of the immune response and a corresponding clinical and radiographic recovery.

Keywords: Cerebral abscess; IFN-gamma; Immunotherapy; Nocardia; Nocardiosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Brain Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Abscess / drug therapy*
  • Brain Abscess / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Interferon-gamma / therapeutic use*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nocardia Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Nocardia Infections / drug therapy*
  • Nocardia Infections / microbiology
  • Nocardia*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-gamma