Studies from S. Joussejoulin et al provide new data on ankylosing spondylitis
2007 NOV 14 -- According to recent research from Brest, France, "Atypical mycobacteria are environmental organisms that cause opportunistic infections in humans. Case report: A 50-year-old electronics engineer sought advice about starting TNF alpha antagonist therapy for ankylosing spondylitis." "Disease duration was 23 years and current treatment was methylprednisolone 4 mg/d. Atypical skin lesions and knee arthritis were noted. Fluid aspirated from the knee showed inflammatory properties and a few acid-fast bacteria, which a line probe assay identified as Mycobacterium chelonae. The same organism was found in a skin biopsy from a thigh lesion. Antimicrobial treatment was started immediately," wrote S. Joussejoulin and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Inadequate results 6 months later prompted synovectomy of the knee followed by interferon gamma, 50 mu g/m(2) body surface area subcutaneously 3 times a week. After 16 months. there were no new skin or joint lesions, and the antimicrobials and interferon gamma were therefore discontinued This highly unusual case suggests that interferon gamma may be effective in patients with M. chelonae infection that fails to respond adequately to antimicrobials." Joussejoulin and colleagues published their study in Joint Bone Spine (Skin and joint infection by Mycobacterium chelonae: Rescue treatment with interferon gamma. Joint Bone Spine, 2007;74(4):385-388). For additional information, contact A. Saraux, CHU Brest, Hopital Cavale Blanche, Service Rhumatol, BP 814, F-29609 Brest, France. Publisher contact information for the journal Joint Bone Spine is: Elsevier France-Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier, 23 Rue Linois, 75724 Paris, France. Keywords: France, Brest, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatology. This article was prepared by Immunotherapy Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Immunotherapy Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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