Recurrent COVID‐19 infection in a case of rituximab‐induced hypogammaglobulinaemia

Abstract

Abstract Patients with immunodeficiency are at an increased risk of recurrent COVID‐19 infection. They may lack the natural immune response that usually confers long‐lasting immunity. Here, we present our experience managing one such patient, who had a COVID‐19 infection twice, 5 months apart. He had a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and computed tomography (CT) thorax with classical findings of COVID‐19 on both occasions. He had multiple negative RT‐PCR tests and two CT scans without COVID‐19 features between these two infections. While the antibody response to the first infection was not detectable, the response to the second infection was robust. Live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated in patients with immunodeficiency, and other vaccines may not elicit an adequate immune response. A high index of suspicion for recurrent COVID‐19 is warranted in this group of patients.

Keywords

• COVID‐19
• hypogammaglobulinaemia
• recurrent COVID‐19
• re‐infection
• rituximab