VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUS INFECTION IN A PATIENT 12 DAYS POST RITUXIMAB: UNUSUAL CO-PRESENTATION OF SHINGLES AND CHICKENPOX

Abstract

Rituximab, an anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, is used in the management of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune conditions such as pemphigus. As an immunosuppressor, it exposes patients to an increased risk of infection. Two cases of varicella-zoster virus infection post Rituximab were been reported in literature. The coexistence of chickenpox (primary infection) and shingles (reactivation of latent infection) in the same patient has never been reported in the literature, especially after rituximab treatment. Herein we present the first case of association of these 2 manifestations in a patient 12 days after rituximab therapy for pemphigus.