Rituximab-related viral infections in lymphoma patients

Identification of Covariates Modulating B-Cell Repopulation Kinetics in Subjects Receiving Rituximab Treatment

OBJECTIVE

B-cell depletion using the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is a cornerstone in the therapeutic concept of multiple autoimmune diseases. B-cell depletion is associated with a higher risk for severe infections, and the time span of B-cell repopulation differs greatly between individuals. Data on factors influencing B-cell repopulation kinetics are limited. This study aims to identify patient-specific and therapy-associated covariates that modulate B-cell repopulation.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective observational study presents data of 839 subjects receiving 2,017 courses of rituximab for autoimmune diseases. Assessed covariates are patient-specific factors (sex, age, kidney function, and underlying disease) and co-immunosuppression with common agents (azathioprine, cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and corticosteroids). The primary end point is the time to B-cell repopulation (≥5/μl). The secondary end point is the time to B-cell reconstitution (≥50/μl). Multivariate time-to-event analysis and logistic regression models were applied to estimate the influence of covariates.

RESULTS

Age over 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 for repopulation, P = 0.008), impaired kidney function (HR 0.72, P = 0.001), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (HR 0.61, P < 0.001), solid organ transplantation (HR 0.4, P < 0.001), and co-immunosuppression with corticosteroids (HR 0.64, P < 0.001) or azathioprine (HR 0.49, P < 0.001) were associated with impaired B-cell repopulation and reconstitution. Effects of corticosteroids (P = 0.043) and azathioprine (P = 0.025) were dose dependent.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged rituximab dosing intervals may be effective to achieve B-cell depletion and reduce risk of infection in advanced age or patients with impaired kidney function. Co-medication with corticosteroids or azathioprine prolongs B-cell recovery, which may increase therapeutic effects but also the rate of adverse events.

Rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil combination in patients with interstitial lung disease (EVER-ILD): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Standard of care for interstitial lung disease (ILD) with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern proposes mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as one of the first-step therapies while rituximab is used as rescue therapy.

METHODS

In a randomised, double-blind, two-parallel group, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02990286), patients with connective tissue disease-associated ILD or idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (with or without autoimmune features) and a NSIP pattern (defined on NSIP pathological pattern or on integration of clinicobiological data and a NSIP-like high-resolution computed tomography pattern) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive rituximab (1000 mg) or placebo on day 1 and day 15 in addition to MMF (2 g daily) for 6 months. The primary end-point was the change in percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline to 6 months analysed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures analysis. Secondary end-points included progression-free survival (PFS) up to 6 months and safety.

FINDINGS

Between January 2017 and January 2019, 122 randomised patients received at least one dose of rituximab (n=63) or placebo (n=59). The least-squares mean change from baseline to 6 months in FVC (% predicted) was +1.60 (se 1.13) in the rituximab+MMF group and -2.01 (se 1.17) in the placebo+MMF group (between-group difference 3.60, 95% CI 0.41-6.80; p=0.0273). PFS was better in the rituximab+MMF group (crude hazard ratio 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.96; p=0.03). Serious adverse events occurred in 26 (41%) patients of the rituximab+MMF group and in 23 (39%) of the placebo+MMF group. Nine infections were reported in the rituximab+MMF group (five bacterial infections, three viral infections, one other) and four bacterial infections in the placebo+MMF group.

INTERPRETATION

Combination of rituximab and MMF was superior to MMF alone in patients with ILD and a NSIP pattern. The use of this combination must take into consideration the risk of viral infection.

Hypogammaglobulinemia, late-onset neutropenia, and infections following rituximab

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets CD20-expressing B lymphocytes, has a well-defined efficacy and safety profile, and is broadly used to treat a wide array of diseases. In this review, we cover the mechanism of action of rituximab and focus on hypogammaglobulinemia and late-onset neutropenia-2 immune effects secondary to rituximab-and subsequent infection. We review risk factors and highlight key considerations for immunologic monitoring and clinical management of rituximab-induced secondary immune deficiencies. In patients treated with rituximab, monitoring for hypogammaglobulinemia and infections may help to identify the subset of patients at high risk for developing poor B cell reconstitution, subsequent infections, and adverse complications. These patients may benefit from early interventions such as vaccination, antibacterial prophylaxis, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Systematic evaluation of immunoglobulin levels and peripheral B cell counts by flow cytometry, both at baseline and periodically after therapy, is recommended for monitoring. In addition, in those patients with prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia and increased infections after rituximab use, immunologic evaluation for inborn errors of immunity may be warranted to further risk stratification, increase monitoring, and assist in therapeutic decision-making. As the immunologic effects of rituximab are further elucidated, personalized approaches to minimize the risk of adverse reactions while maximizing benefit will allow for improved care of patients with decreased morbidity and mortality.

Risk of Infections Secondary to the Use of Targeted Therapies in Hematological Malignancies

Concurrent infections in hematological malignancies (HM) are major contributors to adverse clinical outcomes, including prolonged hospitalization and reduced life expectancy. Individuals diagnosed with HM are particularly susceptible to infectious pathogens due to immunosuppression, which can either be inherent to the hematological disorder or induced by specific therapeutic strategies. Over the years, the treatment paradigm for HM has witnessed a tremendous shift, from broad-spectrum treatment approaches to more specific targeted therapies. At present, the therapeutic landscape of HM is constantly evolving due to the advent of novel targeted therapies and the enhanced utilization of these agents for treatment purposes. By initiating unique molecular pathways, these agents hinder the proliferation of malignant cells, consequently affecting innate and adaptive immunity, which increases the risk of infectious complications. Due to the complexity of novel targeted therapies and their associated risks of infection, it often becomes a daunting task for physicians to maintain updated knowledge in their clinical practice. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that most of the initial clinical trials on targeted therapies provide inadequate information to determine the associated risk of infection. In such a scenario, a cumulative body of evidence is paramount in guiding clinicians regarding the infectious complications that can arise following targeted therapies. In this review, I summarize the recent knowledge on infectious complications arising in the context of targeted therapies for HM.

Severe Arboviral Neuroinvasive Disease in Patients on Rituximab Therapy: A Review

With increasing use of rituximab and other B-cell depleting monoclonal antibodies for multiple indications, infectious complications are being recognized. We summarize clinical findings of patients on rituximab with arboviral diseases identified through literature review or consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We identified 21 patients on recent rituximab therapy who were diagnosed with an arboviral disease caused by West Nile, tick-borne encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis, Cache Valley, Jamestown Canyon, and Powassan viruses. All reported patients had neuroinvasive disease. The diagnosis of arboviral infection required molecular testing in 20 (95%) patients. Median illness duration was 36 days (range, 12 days to 1 year), and 15/19 (79%) patients died from their illness. Patients on rituximab with arboviral disease can have a severe or prolonged course with an absence of serologic response. Patients should be counseled about mosquito and tick bite prevention when receiving rituximab and other B-cell depleting therapies.

The immunology of multiple sclerosis

Our incomplete understanding of the causes and pathways involved in the onset and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) limits our ability to effectively treat this complex neurological disease. Recent studies explore the role of immune cells at different stages of MS and how they interact with cells of the central nervous system (CNS). The findings presented here begin to question the exclusivity of an antigen-specific cause and highlight how seemingly distinct immune cell types can share common functions that drive disease. Innovative techniques further expose new disease-associated immune cell populations and reinforce how environmental context is critical to their phenotype and subsequent role in disease. Importantly, the differentiation of immune cells into a pathogenic state is potentially reversible through therapeutic manipulation. As such, understanding the mechanisms that provide plasticity to causal cell types is likely key to uncoupling these disease processes and may identify novel therapeutic targets that replace the need for cell ablation.

HSV-1 0∆NLS vaccine elicits a robust B lymphocyte response and preserves vision without HSV-1 glycoprotein M or thymidine kinase recognition

Effective experimental prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) have been shown to protect the host through T and/or B lymphocyte-driven responses. Previously, we found a live-attenuated HSV-1 mutant, 0ΔNLS used as a prophylactic vaccine, provided significant protection against subsequent ocular HSV-1 challenge aligned with a robust neutralizing antibody response. Yet, how the virus mutant elicited the humoral immune response relative to parental virus was unknown. Herein, we present the characterization of B cell subsets in vaccinated mice at times after primary vaccination and following boost compared to the parental virus, termed GFP105. We found that 0∆NLS-vaccinated mice possessed more CD4⁺ follicular helper T (T_FH) cells, germinal B cells and class-switched B cells within the first 7 days post-vaccination. Moreover, 0∆NLS vaccination resulted in an increase in plasmablasts and plasma cells expressing amino-acid transporter CD98 along with an elevated titer of HSV-1-specific antibody compared to GFP105-vaccinated animals. Furthermore, O∆NLS-vaccine-induced CD4⁺ (T_FH) cells produced significantly more IL-21 compared to mice immunized with the parental HSV-1 strain. In contrast, there were no differences in the number of regulatory B cells comparing the two groups of immunized mice. In comparing sera recognition of HSV-1-encoded proteins, it was noted antiserum from GFP105-vaccinated mice immunoprecipitated HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK) and glycoprotein M (gM) whereas sera from 0∆NLS-immunized mice did not even though both groups of vaccinated mice displayed similar neutralizing antibody titers to HSV-1 and were highly resistant to ocular HSV-1 challenge. Collectively, the results suggest (1) the live-attenuated HSV-1 mutant 0∆NLS elicits a robust B cell response that drives select B cell responses greater than the parental HSV-1 and (2) HSV-1 TK and gM are likely expendable components in efficacy of a humoral response to ocular HSV-1 infection.

Biologic treatment outcomes in mucous membrane pemphigoid: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune disease that can lead to fibrosis of mucous membranes and functional impairment. Biologic agents should be explored as alternative treatment options to improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of biologic treatment outcomes in patients with MMP.

METHODS

A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted on July 23, 2020, to include 63 studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Use of intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 154), rituximab (n = 112), tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors (n = 7), and combination treatments (n = 58) were reported in 331 patients with MMP. Intravenous immunoglobulin led to complete resolution in 61.7% (n = 95/154) of patients within 26.0 months, with a recurrence rate of 22.7% (n = 35/154) and headache as the most common adverse effect (8.4%, n = 13/154). Rituximab led to complete resolution in 70.5% (n = 79/112) of patients within 8.7 months, with a recurrence rate of 35.7% (n = 40/112). The most commonly reported adverse effects were urinary tract infections (4.5%, n = 5/112), leukocytopenia (2.7%, n = 3/112), and death due to severe infections (1.8%, n = 2/112). Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors led to complete resolution in 71.4% (n = 5/7) of patients within 3.9 months of treatment without reported adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized clinical trials with long-term follow-up are required to conclude the promising safety and efficacy of biologic agents in patients with MMP.

Secondary Immunodeficiency in Hematological Malignancies: Focus on Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Secondary immunodeficiency is reported in most patients with hematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. The aim of our review was to evaluate the existing literature data on patients with hematological malignancies, with regard to the effect of immunodeficiency on the outcome, the clinical and therapeutic approach, and on the onset of noninfectious complications, including thrombosis, pleural effusion, and orofacial complications. Immunodeficiency in these patients has an intense impact on their risk of infection, in turn increasing morbidity and mortality even years after treatment completion. However, these patients with increased risk of severe infectious diseases could be treated with adequate vaccination coverage, but the vaccines' administration can be associated with a decreased immune response and an augmented risk of adverse reactions. Probably, immunogenicity of the inactivated is analogous to that of healthy subjects at the moment of vaccination, but it undertakes a gradual weakening over time. However, the dispensation of live attenuated viral vaccines is controversial because of the risk of the activation of vaccine viruses. A particular immunization schedule should be employed according to the clinical and immunological condition of each of these patients to guarantee a constant immune response without any risks to the patients' health.

Peripheral B Cell Deficiency and Predisposition to Viral Infections: The Paradigm of Immune Deficiencies

In the era of COVID-19, understanding how our immune system responds to viral infections is more pertinent than ever. Immunodeficiencies with very low or absent B cells offer a valuable model to study the role of humoral immunity against these types of infection. This review looks at the available evidence on viral infections in patients with B cell alymphocytosis, in particular those with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), Good’s syndrome, post monoclonal-antibody therapy and certain patients with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). Viral infections are not as infrequent as previously thought in these conditions and individuals with very low circulating B cells seem to be predisposed to an adverse outcome. Particularly in the case of SARS-CoV2 infection, mounting evidence suggests that peripheral B cell alymphocytosis is linked to a poor prognosis.

A Novel Case of Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia in an Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patient Treated With Rituximab

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is thrombotic microangiopathy that is universally fatal if not promptly recognized and treated. Standard treatment includes plasma exchange (PLEX) therapy and immunosuppression. We present a case of an 80 years old African American male with a past medical history significant for essential hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a recent TTP diagnosis for which he was treated with PLEX, glucocorticoids, and rituximab. The patient presented with complaints of shortness of breath of four days duration. He was hypoxemic on presentation; other vital signs were within normal limits. The basic metabolic panel and complete blood count were unremarkable. A computed tomography (CT) of the chest with contrast showed right lower lobe segmental and subsegmental pulmonary emboli. He was initiated on intravenous heparin therapy. During hospitalization, he had progressive clinical deterioration with progressive hypoxemia. A repeat CT scan demonstrated bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. The patient underwent bronchoscopy due to concerns of opportunistic infections in view of his recent immunosuppressive treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the patient was initiated on ganciclovir. CMV pneumonia has been reported after rituximab therapy in patients with lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CMV pneumonia after rituximab therapy in a patient with TTP.

Herpesvirus Infections Potentiated by Biologics

Herpesviruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) maintain lifelong latency in the host after primary infection and can reactivate periodically either as asymptomatic viral shedding or as clinical disease. Immunosuppression, including biologic therapy, may increase frequency and severity of herpesvirus reactivation and infection. Licensed biologics are reviewed regarding their risks of potentiating HSV, VZV, and CMV reactivation and infection. Approaches to prophylaxis against HSV, VZV, and CMV infection or reactivation are discussed.

Effect of rituximab dose on induction therapy in ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Rituximab is an induction immunosuppressant essential for ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOi KT). However, studies on its dosing, which differs among countries and transplant centers, are lacking. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the effectiveness of the induction dose of rituximab against patient mortality, graft failure, and adverse events.

METHODS

We included the studies referring to at least 2 of eligible induction doses (200 mg, 200-500 mg, or 500 mg) of rituximab during ABOi KT and relevant outcomes such as patient survival, graft failure, and bacterial and viral infections. We performed direct and indirect network meta-analyses using Bayesian models and ranked different rituximab doses using generation mixed treatment comparison. Publications were retrieved using CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded databases from 1970 to February 2020 and analyzed. The GRADE of network meta-analysis approach specified 4 levels of certainty for a given result: high, moderate, low, and very low.

RESULTS

Among the 4256 patients from 21 trials, glomerular filtration rate, graft loss, antibody-mediated rejection, T-cell mediated rejection, fungal infection, bacterial infection, and CMV infection did not differ among ABOi groups treated with different rituximab doses. The effect on mortality was significantly higher in rituximab 200 to 500 mg, and rituximab 500 mg groups (odds ratios [OR] 3.5, 95% CrI: 1.3-9.8, and OR 3.0, 95% CrI 1.1-9.8), but not in rituximab 20 mg group (OR 0.45, 95% CrI 0.036-2.5). The incidence of BK virus was significantly lower in the rituximab 200-mg group than in the other groups.

DISCUSSION

In ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation, low-dose rituximab is more efficacious than higher doses and reduces serious infection risks. Additional randomized controlled trials might be needed to confirm these findings due to small sample size.

Doctor-Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Infection and immunization in individuals with neuromuscular disorders

The clinical course of neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) can be affected by infections, both in immunocompetent individuals, and in those with reduced immunocompetence due to immunosuppressive/immunomodulating therapies. Infections and immunizations may also trigger NMDs. There is a potential for reduced efficacy of immunizations in patients with reduced immunocompetence. The recent vaccination program for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) raises several questions regarding the safety and efficacy of this vaccine in individuals with NMDs. In this Practice Topic article, we address the role of vaccine-preventable infections in NMDs and the safety and efficacy of immunization in individuals with NMDs, with emphasis on vaccination against COVID-19.

Risk and outcome of COVID-19 infection in sarcoidosis patients: results of a self-reporting questionnaire

Background:

It has been suggested that sarcoidosis patients, especially those on immunosuppressive medications, are at increased risk for COVID-19 infection and more severe disease.

Methods:

A questionnaire was developed in four languages (English, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish). The questionnaire queried whether patients had been infected with COVID-19 and outcome of the infection. Risk factors for COVID-19 infection were collected.

Results:

A total of 5200 sarcoidosis patients completed the questionnaire with 116 (2.23%) reporting infection and 18 (15.8%) required hospitalization. Increased hazard ratio (HR) for COVID-19 infection were seen for those with a COVID-19 infected roommate (HR=27.44, p<0.0001), health care provider (HR=2.4, p=0.0001), pulmonary sarcoidosis (HR=2.48, p=0.001), neurosarcoidosis (HR=2.02, p<0.01), or rituximab treatment (HR=5.40, p<0.0001). A higher rate of hospitalization was found for those with underlying heart disease (HR=3.19 (1.297-7.855), p<0.02). No other feature including race, other immunosuppressive agent, age, or underlying condition was associated with a significant increased risk for infection or more severe disease.

Conclusion:

The overall rate of COVID-19 was 2.23%, suggesting an increased rate of COVID-19 infection. However, when an analysis of the questionnaires of sarcoidosis and non-sarcoidosis patients was performed in one localized area over this time period, the rate of COVID-19 infection was similar in both groups. Sarcoidosis patients who cohabitated with COVID-19 infected individuals, worked in health care, had pulmonary or neurologic sarcoidosis, or were treated with rituximab had an increased risk for COVID-19 infection. No significant increased risk for hospitalization could be identified based on age, race, gender or any specific immunosuppressive treatment. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2020; 37 (4): e2020009)

Prevalence of occult HBV infection in Western countries

Due to a lack of standardized tests, it is difficult to obtain prevalence data and define the real impact of occult HBV infection (OBI) in Western countries. The present review article addresses the prevalence of OBI, defined as presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in liver tissue or plasma in HBsAg-negative subjects, in Western countries. This varies in different studies according to the different methodologies used (based on serology vs virology), to the sample analyzed for the diagnosis (liver tissue vs plasma), to the different populations studied, to the different geographical variations in the HBV spread, to the host characteristics (age, gender, risk factors for acquiring HBV infection) and to the presence of other parenteral infections (hepatitis C virus and/or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infections). Considering the different liver diseases analyzed, that is in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis or advanced liver fibrosis, the prevalence of OBI ranges 4% to 38%. Considering the different populations studied, in the case of parenteral blood exposure it is about 45%, in patients with chronic hepatitis C it is estimated at about 52%, in HIV-infected patients it ranges from 0% to 45%, in blood donors from 0% to 22.7% and in hemodialysis patients it ranges from 0% to 54%. In conclusion, OBI is a virological entity to be considered when performing the patient's evaluation for immunosuppressive diseases, liver pathologies, or for blood transfusions. Knowing the prevalence and clinical impact of OBI will allow better patient management.

Risk of hepatitis B reactivation and cytomegalovirus related infections with Mogamulizumab: A retrospective study of international pharmacovigilance database

BACKGROUND

Mogamulizumab (Moga) is a C-C chemokine receptor-4 antibody approved in the United States for relapsed /refractory mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Few cases reported an increased risk of hepatitis B reactivation and cytomegalovirus (CMV) related infection post-Moga. However, literature is limited to mainly case reports and series, while no study has used the Food and Drug Administration adverse events reporting system (FARES) database to investigate the relationship.

METHODS

Using United States Food and Drug Administration adverse events reporting system database, we collected all cases of hepatitis B reactivation and CMV related infection between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2019, for Moga and other drugs. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) was calculated, which was considered significant when the lower limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) >1.

FINDINGS

Three hundred and thirty-eight total adverse cases were reported for Moga during the study period, with 261 cases reported indication for use, including cutaneous T cell lymphoma (47.04%), and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (30.18%). Eight cases were reported for hepatitis B reactivation with Moga use, compared to 2290 cases with other medications. The ROR is 143.67 (p<0.001, 95% CI, 71.17-290.04). CMV related infection was noted in 17 cases using Moga, while 12,849 cases with others. The ROR is 55.89 (p<0.001, 95% CI, 34.31-91.06). In the Moga group, five deaths occurred in hepatitis B reactivation patients and nine deaths with CMV cases.

INTERPRETATION

A signal has been identified between Moga exposure and hepatitis B reactivation as well as CMV related infection. A consideration in future studies should be placed on determining the relationship and investigating the need for pre-treatment screening, close monitoring, and utilization of prophylaxis in this population-based on pre-treatment risks.

FUNDING

None.

Navigating immunosuppression in a pandemic: A guide for the dermatologist from the COVID Task Force of the Medical Dermatology Society and Society of Dermatology Hospitalists

Dermatologists treating immune-mediated skin disease must now contend with the uncertainties associated with immunosuppressive use in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Although the risk of infection with many commonly used immunosuppressive agents remains low, direct data evaluating the safety of such agents in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are scarce. This article reviews and offers guidance based on currently available safety data and the most recent COVID-19 outcome data in patients with immune-mediated dermatologic disease. The interdisciplinary panel of experts emphasizes a stepwise, shared decision-making approach in the management of immunosuppressive therapy. The goal of this article is to help providers minimize the risk of disease flares while simultaneously minimizing the risk of iatrogenic harm during an evolving pandemic.

Infection profiles of different chemotherapy regimens and the clinical feasibility of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with DLBCL

Various chemotherapy regimens are used to treat patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, treatment-related toxicity with a focus on infectious disease has not been fully reviewed. Several phase 3 trials have demonstrated different rates of febrile neutropenia (FN) between regimens (e.g. dose-adjusted (DA) EPOCH-R vs. R-CHOP). With heterogeneous patient characteristics, a combination regimen of lenalidomide or ibrutinib with R-CHOP exhibited promising efficacy with moderate infectious toxicity. While R-bendamustine is feasible for patients who don't tolerate other forms of chemotherapy, clinical data indicate increased opportunistic infections under prolonged lymphopenia. The usefulness of prophylactic antibiotics/antifungal agents in DLBCL patients is controversial owing to shorter and less severe neutropenia than with the induction regimen for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Prophylactic granulocyte-colony stimulating factor is recommended for intensive regimens such as DA-EPOCH-R, R-DHAP, or R-ICE. Regardless of multiple studies about FN incidence, studies focusing on microbiologic events are limited, and further investigations are warranted.

Ab locks for improving the selectivity and safety of antibody drugs

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are a major targeted therapy for malignancies, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and chronic inflammatory diseases due to their antigen specificity and longer half-life than conventional drugs. However, long-term systemic antigen neutralization by mAbs may cause severe adverse events. Improving the selectivity of mAbs to distinguish target antigens at the disease site from normal healthy tissue and reducing severe adverse events caused by the mechanisms-of-action of mAbs is still a pressing need. Development of pro-antibodies (pro-Abs) by installing a protease-cleavable Ab lock is a novel and advanced recombinant Ab-based strategy that efficiently masks the antigen binding ability of mAbs in the normal state and selectively "turns on" the mAb activity when the pro-Ab reaches the proteolytic protease-overexpressed diseased tissue. In this review, we discuss the design and advantages/disadvantages of different Ab lock strategies, focusing particularly on spatial-hindrance-based and affinity peptide-based approaches. We expect that the development of different masking strategies for mAbs will benefit the local reactivity of mAbs at the disease site, increase the therapeutic efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with mAbs in chronic diseases and even permit scientists to develop Ab drugs for formerly undruggable targets and satisfy the unmet medical needs of mAb therapy.

Infectious Complications of Biological and Small Molecule Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapies

The past 2 decades have seen a revolution in our approach to therapeutic immunosuppression. We have moved from relying on broadly active traditional medications, such as prednisolone or methotrexate, toward more specific agents that often target a single receptor, cytokine, or cell type, using monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, or targeted small molecules. This change has transformed the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, but along with the benefits have come risks. Contrary to the hope that these more specific agents would have minimal and predictable infectious sequelae, infectious complications have emerged as a major stumbling block for many of these agents. Furthermore, the growing number and complexity of available biologic agents makes it difficult for clinicians to maintain current knowledge, and most review articles focus on a particular target disease or class of agent. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about infectious complications of biologic and small molecule immunomodulatory agents, aiming to create a single resource relevant to a broad range of clinicians and researchers. For each of 19 classes of agent, we discuss the mechanism of action, the risk and types of infectious complications, and recommendations for prevention of infection.

CD8+ T Cell Immunity Is Compromised by Anti-CD20 Treatment and Rescued by Interleukin-17A

Monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B cells is used to treat the majority of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and some autoimmune disorders. This therapy generates adverse effects, notably opportunistic infections and activation of viruses from latency. Here, using the infection murine model with the intracellular parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, we report that anti-CD20 treatment affects not only B cell responses but also CD8⁺ T cell responses, representing the most important immune effectors involved in control of intracellular pathogens. Anti-CD20 treatment, directly or indirectly, affects cytotoxic T cell number and function, and this deficient response was rescued by the cytokine IL-17A. The identification of IL-17A as the cytokine capable of reversing the poor response of CD8⁺ T cells provides information about a potential therapeutic treatment aimed at enhancing defective immunity induced by B cell depletion.

Treatment with anti-CD20, used in many diseases in which B cells play a pathogenic role, has been associated with susceptibility to intracellular infections. Here, we studied the effect of anti-CD20 injection on CD8⁺ T cell immunity using an experimental model of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, in which CD8⁺ T cells play a pivotal role. C57BL/6 mice were treated with anti-CD20 for B cell depletion prior to T. cruzi infection. Infected anti-CD20-treated mice exhibited a CD8⁺ T cell response with a conserved expansion phase followed by an early contraction, resulting in a strong reduction in total and parasite-specific CD8⁺ T cell numbers at 20 days postinfection. Anti-CD20 injection increased the frequency of apoptotic CD8⁺ T cells, decreased the number of effector and memory CD8⁺ T cells, and reduced the frequency of proliferating and cytokine-producing CD8⁺ T cells. Accordingly, infected anti-CD20-treated mice presented lower cytotoxicity of T. cruzi peptide-pulsed target cells in vivo. All of these alterations in CD8⁺ T cell immunity were associated with increased tissue parasitism. Anti-CD20 injection also dampened the CD8⁺ T cell response, when this had already been generated, indicating that B cells were involved in the maintenance rather than the induction of CD8⁺ T cell immunity. Anti-CD20 injection also resulted in a marked reduction in the frequency of interleukin-6 (IL-6)- and IL-17A-producing cells, and recombinant IL-17A (rIL-17A) injection partially restored the CD8⁺ T cell response in infected anti-CD20-treated mice. Thus, anti-CD20 reduced CD8⁺ T cell immunity, and IL-17A is a candidate for rescuing deficient responses either directly or indirectly.

Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation After Radiotherapy in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using the Lyman NTCP Model

Purpose:

To analyze the correlation of hepatitis B virus reactivation with patient-related and treatment-related dose–volume factors and to describe the feasibility of hepatitis B virus reactivation analyzed by a normal tissue complication probability model for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective study and were followed from June 2009 to December 2015. Of the 90 patients, 78 had received conventional fractionation radiotherapy to a mean dose of 39.6 to 50.4 Gy and 12 patients were scheduled to receive hypofractionation. The physical doses were converted into 2 Gy equivalents for analysis. The parameters, TD₅₀ (1), n, and m, of the Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model were derived using maximum likelihood estimation. Bootstrap and leave-one-out were employed to against model overfitting and improve the model stability.

Results:

Radiation-induced liver diseases were 17.8%, hepatitis B virus reactivation was 22.2%, and hepatitis B virus reactivation-induced hepatitis was 21.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the V_5Gy was associated with hepatitis B virus reactivation; TD₅₀ (1), m, and n were 32.3, 0.55, and 0.71 Gy, respectively, for hepatitis B virus reactivation. Bootstrap and leave-one-out results showed that the hepatitis B virus parameter fits were extremely robust.

Conclusion:

A Lyman-Kutcher-Burman normal tissue complication probability model has been established to predict hepatitis B virus reactivation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received radiotherapy.

Does rehabilitation pose a risk to patients suffering from haemato-oncological diseases? Results of a monocentric, retrospective analysis in Germany

OBJECTIVE

Patients suffering from haemato-oncological diseases tend to have a weakened immune system after the end of their therapy. To avoid infections, patients are advised to limit contact with other people. This poses the question whether a stay at a rehabilitation facility can be recommended.

METHODS

We report about 134 rehabilitation stays of patients. Premature discontinuation of the rehabilitation stay was selected as the criterion for a serious complication during the rehabilitation, and the underlying reasons were analysed.

RESULTS

Compared to the discontinuation rates of patients suffering from solid tumours (2.4%), the percentage of haemato-oncological patients ending prematurely their rehabilitation stay (8.2%) is significantly increased. This rises to 17.1% for patients who have undergone an allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The analysis of the discontinuation reasons revealed that they were not directly connected to the rehabilitation. Apart from the already known risk factors for premature termination of the rehabilitation stay, we have identified the period (days) between the last therapy and the beginning of the rehabilitation stay as a risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

We show for the first time that a rehabilitation stay does not pose additional risks for patients suffering from haemato-oncological diseases.

Practice guideline update summary: Vaccine-preventable infections and immunization in multiple sclerosis

Objective

To update the 2002 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guideline regarding immunization and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

The panel performed a systematic review and classified articles using the AAN system. Recommendations were based on evidence, related evidence, principles of care, and inferences according to the AAN 2011 process manual, as amended.

Major recommendations (Level B except where indicated)

Clinicians should discuss the evidence regarding immunizations in MS with their patients and explore patients' opinions, preferences, and questions. Clinicians should recommend that patients with MS follow all local vaccine standards, unless there are specific contraindications and weigh local vaccine-preventable disease risks when counseling patients. Clinicians should recommend that patients with MS receive the influenza vaccination annually. Clinicians should counsel patients with MS about infection risks associated with specific immunosuppressive/immunomodulating (ISIM) medications and treatment-specific vaccination guidance according to prescribing information (PI) and vaccinate patients with MS as needed at least 4–6 weeks before initiating patients' ISIM therapy. Clinicians must screen for infections according to PI before initiating ISIM medications (Level A) and should treat patients testing positive for latent infections. In high-risk populations, clinicians must screen for latent infections before starting ISIM therapy even when not specifically mentioned in PI (Level A) and should consult specialists regarding treating patients who screen positive for latent infection. Clinicians should recommend against using live-attenuated vaccines in people with MS receiving ISIM therapies. Clinicians should delay vaccinating people with MS who are experiencing a relapse.

Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus Disease in an Elderly Patient with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with R-CHOP Therapy: A Case Report

Background:

West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) and emerging cause of significant illness in European and Mediterranean countries. West Nile virus infection can cause severe and potentially fatal neurological illnesses, including encephalitis, meningitis, and acute flaccid paralysis. Additionally, immunosuppression, alcohol abuse, old age, and diabetes mellitus are common factors associated with West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Case Report:

In August 2018, a 60-year-old male patient with a history of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma initially presented with symptoms including abdominal pain and distention, nausea, and vomiting. Three days after open abdominal surgery due to adhesive small bowel obstruction, he developed fever, prominent tremors, and rapidly progressing flaccid paralysis. The identification of West Nile virus RNA in the serum sample led to the diagnosis of West Nile neuroinvasive disease.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should evaluate patients with acute flaccid paralysis for the evidence of West Nile neuroinvasive disease. It is particularly important for healthcare providers to consider West Nile neuroinvasive disease in the differential diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and acute paralysis cases, especially in endemic areas.

Infection risks of rituximab versus non-rituximab treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in infection rates between rituximab (RTX) and non-RTX treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library through to June 2018. We included studies that compared RTX and non-RTX treatment for patients with RA. Outcome measures were overall infections and serious infections between RTX and non-RTX treatments.

RESULTS

A total of 11 articles, including 9502 patients (4595 with RTX treatment and 4907 with non-RTX treatment) met our inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that RTX-related all infections and serious infections in RA patients were 43.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Pooled analysis showed no significant differences between RTX and non-RTX treatment groups in overall infections rate (43.3% vs 44.9%; odds ratio [OR] = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.70-1.08) and serious infections rate (4.1% vs 4.6%; OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 0.84-1.31). Subgroup analysis also showed no significant differences in overall infections between RTX versus placebo (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.71-1.33); RTX versus tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30-1.73); RTX plus methotrexate (MTX) versus placebo plus MTX (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.77-1.24), and in serious infections between RTX versus placebo (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.36-3.07); RTX versus TNFi (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.96-1.63); RTX plus MTX versus placebo plus MTX (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.39-1.20).

CONCLUSION

In patients with RA, RTX treatment has no additional risks for infections over non-RTX treatment.

Peripheral nervous system involvement in lymphomas

The peripheral nervous system may be involved at any stage in the course of lymphoproliferative diseases. The different underlying mechanisms include neurotoxicity secondary to chemotherapy, direct nerve infiltration (neurolymphomatosis), infections, immune-mediated, paraneoplastic or metabolic processes and nutritional deficiencies. Accordingly, the clinical features are heterogeneous and depend on the localization of the damage (ganglia, roots, plexi, and peripheral nerves) and on the involved structures (myelin, axon, and cell body). Some clinical findings, such a focal or diffuse involvement, symmetric or asymmetric pattern, presence of pain may point to the correct diagnosis. Besides a thorough medical history and neurological examination, neurophysiological studies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve biopsy (in selected patients with suspected lymphomatous infiltration) and neuroimaging techniques (magnetic resonance neurography and nerve ultrasound) may be crucial for a proper diagnostic workup.

Infectious complications in children treated for hodgkin and non-hodgkin lymphomas in polish pediatric leukemia/lymphoma study group: incidence, epidemiology and etiology

The objective of this nation-wide study was to evaluate the epidemiology and profile of bacterial (BI), viral (VI), and invasive fungal disease (IFD) in patients treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) between the years 2013-2015. In the analyzed period of time, within the studied group of 328 children diagnosed and treated for lymphomas, at least one infectious complication (IC) was diagnosed i.e. 39.3% children. In these patients there were 350 episodes of IC, therein 80.6% episodes of BI, 11.1% episodes of VI, and 8.3% episodes of IFD. In both groups, NHL and HL patients, a stable level of bacterial infections, with an increase in resistance rates, and increased levels of viral and fungal infections were observed. Profile of BI does not depend on lymphoma type, with predominance of Gram-negative bacteria and higher prevalence of MDR pathogens. The overall survival of lymphoma patients with IC was comparable for different types of infections.

Viral infections in the biologic therapy era

INTRODUCTION

The development of biologic therapies for treating patients with rheumatic, hematologic, or oncological diseases has increased in the last few years, spreading their use in clinical practice. Areas covered: Clinical experience has evidenced substantial risks for some viral infections and/or reactivations such as viral hepatitis, herpetic infections, and other viruses, as a consequence of specific immune pathway blockages. Biological therapies produce a variable risk of reactivation of viral infections, which is particularly uncertain in the case of the most recently introduced agents. Here we make an extensive review of the viral infections associated with the use of biological drugs and provide a series of recommendations for its prevention and management. Expert commentary: To prevent these infections/reactivations, the practitioner must be aware of the infection-risk profile, performing accurate screening during and after the use of any biologic agent. In some instances, expert recommendations are made for some therapies, while in other scenarios recommendations have not yet been defined making experimental and clinical research an essential approach to elucidate multiple issues yet not resolved in this field.

Detection of the Incidence of HBV, HCV Infection and Febrile Neutropenia Associated With CHOP With or Without Rituximab in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma-Treated Patients

Background: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and febrile neutropenia (FN) are common in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients undergoing cyclophosphamide, hydroxyrubicin, Oncovin, and prednisolone (CHOP) or cyclophosphamide, hydroxyrubicin, Oncovin, prednisolone - rituximab containing (R-CHOP) chemotherapy. This ultimately leads to delaying the therapy, increasing hospital stay, and raising the pharmacoeconomic burden on patients. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HBV and HCV infection and febrile neutropenia in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP and CHOP. Methodology: This was an institutional approved study in which patient records from a private hospital, specialized in hematology and oncology (Karachi, Pakistan), were reviewed retrospectively from 2014 to 2016. Patients aged above 18 years with known diagnosis of DLBCL who underwent CHOP-21 or R-CHOP-21 chemotherapy regimen were included. Baseline blood chemistry and liver function tests along with the data regarding HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs]), HCV (antibody anti-HCV), and febrile neutropenia were collected from patient records. Results: In total, 35 cases of DLBCL were treated during a 3-year period (ie, from 2014 to 2016), of which 16 were on CHOP-21 regimen whereas 19 were treated with R-CHOP-21. Of the 19 patients who underwent R-CHOP chemotherapy, only 2 (10%) patients were HBsAg reactive. Before commencing the second cycle, 2 (10%) patients reported to hospital with fever and had hematological (low neutrophil count) and microbiological (Escherichia coli) proven febrile neutropenia. The incidence of HBV infection post treatment was lower in group treated with CHOP (1 patient showed HBsAg reactivity).

Rituximab and bilateral HSV epithelial keratitis in a patient with mucous membrane pemphigoid

Background

B cell depleting therapy is widely used for lymphoproliferative diseases and immune-mediated disorders, including mucous membrane pemphigoid. The latter is an autoimmune blistering disease affecting predominantly the mucosae potentially associated with devastating complications.

Methods

A 71-year-old patient with severe mucous membrane pemphigoid involving ocular, oral pharyngeal and laryngeal involvement is described. To control the disease, the patient was given rituximab therapy in combination with oral corticosteroids. He subsequently experienced an epithelial herpes simplex virus keratitis in one eye and 3 months later in his fellow eye. Topical treatment with ganciclovir resulted in prompt recovery.

Results

For the first time, a correlation between rituximab and bilateral epithelial herpes simplex virus keratitis is described.

Conclusions

Although rituximab is a promising biologic agent for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, it bears the risk of reactivation of viral infections, including the onset of herpes simplex virus keratitis.

Progressive outer retinal necrosis after rituximab and cyclophosphamide therapy

We report a case of progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) in a patient of microscopic polyangitis (MPA), being treated with immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Her aqueous tap was positive for Varicella Zoster virus and she was treated with oral and intravitreal antivirals, along with discontinuation of one of the immunosuppressive agents, i.e. rituximab, which might have led to reactivation of the virus causing necrotizing retinitis lesions. Rituximab and cyclophosphamide are extremely potent drugs, which are necessary to manage immunological disorders such as MPA. However, they may predispose the patient to serious complications like viral infections, including PORN.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus pneumonia by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using bronchial washing fluid from patients with hematologic malignancies

Background

The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia is increasing in patients diagnosed with hematologic malignancies. The utility of CMV-DNA viral load measurement has not been standardized, and viral cut-off values have not been established. This study was designed to investigate the utility of CMV quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) using bronchial washing fluid.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the microbiologic and pathologic results of bronchial washing fluid and biopsy specimens in addition to the patients' clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 565 CMV qRT-PCR assays were performed using bronchial washing fluid from patients with hematologic malignancies. Among them, 101 were positive for CMV by qRT-PCR; of these, 24 were diagnosed with CMV pneumonia and 70 with CMV infection, and 7 were excluded due to a diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis rather than viral pneumonia. The median CMV load determined by qPCR was 1.8 × 10⁵ copies/mL (3.6 10³-1.5 × 10⁸) in CMV pneumonia patients and 3.0 × 10³ copies/mL (5.0 × 10²-1.1 × 10⁵) in those diagnosed with CMV infection (P < 0.01). Using the ROC curve, the optimal inflection points were 18,900 copies/mL (137,970 IU/mL) in post-bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients, 316,415 copies/mL (2,309,825 IU/mL) in no-BMT patients and 28,774 copies/mL (210,054 IU/mL) in all patients.

Conclusions

The CMV titers in bronchial washing fluid determined by qRT-PCR differed significantly between patients diagnosed with CMV pneumonia and those with CMV infection. The viral cut-off values in bronchial washing fluid were suggested for the diagnosis of CMV pneumonia, which were different depending on the BMT status.

Human herpesvirus-6 pneumonitis in a patient with follicular lymphoma following immunochemotherapy with rituximab

Primary infection with human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) commonly occurs at an early age in children, most often at 3 years of age, and is associated with childhood diseases, such as exanthema subitum, hepatitis, febrile convulsions, or encephalitis. However, the virus occasionally reactivates from its latent state in immunosuppressed adults, especially post-transplant, resulting in serious disseminated, sometimes life-threatening end-organ complications. Herein, we report a case of a 68-year-old man with relapsed follicular lymphoma who developed HHV-6 pneumonitis. Eighteen months after achieving second complete remission by salvage immunochemotherapy with rituximab, the patient was complicated by pneumonia, with chest computed tomography finding showing disseminated nodular shadows with ground-glass opacity in both lungs. While empiric antibiotic and antifungal therapies did not improve the pneumonia, polymerase chain reaction–based viral screening tests on his bronchoalveolar lavage fluid detected the presence of HHV-6 DNA, and ganciclovir treatment quickly resolved the pneumonia, indicating that he suffered from HHV-6 pneumonitis. He had no other HHV-6–related end-organ damage, such as encephalitis. This case suggests that, although extremely rare, HHV-6 reactivation should be considered as one of the candidate pathogens for pulmonary complications of uncertain etiology in patients who have been treated with intensive immunosuppressive chemotherapy, even without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction–based viral screening testing on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is a powerful diagnostic tool for pneumonitis due to viral reactivation, including HHV-6 reactivation.

Management of hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients on rituximab with past hepatitis B exposure: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Currently, a standardized approach to prevent and manage hepatitis B reactivation in lymphoma patients with past hepatitis exposure receiving rituximab in Singapore is lacking. This study is designed to report the current management approach and outcomes associated with hepatitis B reactivation.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to report 6-, 12-, 24-month cumulative hepatitis B reactivation-related outcomes. Secondary objectives were to report monitoring frequencies of hepatitis B DNA and liver function tests performed in lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving rituximab, and anti-viral prophylaxis use.

METHODOLOGY

This was a single centre, retrospective observational study. Patients with resolved hepatitis B initiated on rituximab from January 2011 to December 2015 were identified and reviewed over a two-year period starting from the date of rituximab initiation. Relevant parameters were obtained from electronic medical records. Hepatitis B reactivation was defined by hepatitis B DNA levels 20 IU/ml (1.30 log/ml) and above. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients were retrospectively reviewed over a two-year period. Hepatitis B reactivation was defined as hepatitis B DNA levels ≥20 IU/ml (1.30 log/ml). The 24-month cumulative hepatitis B reactivation rate was 4.0%. The median (interquartile range) number of hepatitis B DNA tests performed during treatment, initial six-month follow-up, and subsequent follow-up were 1.0 (0.0-2.6), 1.0 (0.0-2.0), and 1.0 (0.0-3.1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Large variations in hepatitis B reactivation monitoring and management strategies were observed. Further studies are required to develop and determine a standardised protocol that could contribute to safer and more cost-effective care for lymphoma patients with resolved hepatitis B on rituximab.

Early post-transplant diagnosis of cytomegalovirus esophagitis in an ABO-incompatible kidney transplant recipients: A case report

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common infectious pathogen in kidney transplant patients. Here, we present a case of CMV esophagitis with antigenemia, that developed within 3 days of kidney transplantation, a timeline generally considered to be too early for development of a CMV infection. Intense immunosuppressive therapy for desensitization in ABO-incompatibility or in the presence of donor-specific antibody can increase the risk for significant opportunistic infection immediately after or even before transplantation.