Bortezomib treatment for refractory nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in the setting of interferon gamma autoantibodies

Abstract

Interferon-γ autoantibodies increase the risk of disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. Addition of rituximab to antibiotics accelerates and improves outcomes, but refractory infections can occur due to persistent production of autoantibodies. We combined bortezomib with rituximab to reduce autoantibodies leading to clinical and radiographic improvement in infection.

Keywords

• Nontuberculous mycobacteria
• Interferon gamma
• Autoantibodies
• Rituximab
• Bortezomib