Infectious and other complications of immunobiologic agents used by individuals with HIV infection

Abstract

Individuals with HIV infection are living longer, and are at risk of autoimmune disorders and cancers associated with aging. Many of these conditions are treated with immunobiologic agents that affect immune function and may increase risk of opportunistic infections (OIs) and other immune disorders in individuals with HIV infection. For example, tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, used to treat such disorders as Crohn’s disease, are associated with risk of tuberculosis and histoplasmosis. Rituximab, used to treat lymphoma, has been associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy due to JC virus and reactivation of other viral infections. Idealisib, used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, has been associated with Pneumocystis pneu- monia, and immune checkpoint inhibitors used to treat a variety of cancers have been associated with a wide range of immune-related adverse effects. Practitioners must maintain high vigilance for OIs and other immune-related disorders in patients with HIV infection who are receiving biologic therapies. This article summarizes a presentation by Peter Chin-Hong, MD, at the IASUSA continuing education program held in Chicago in May 2018.