CHRONIC HYPERPLASTIC CANDIDIASIS AS A RARE ADVERSE EVENT OF SECUKINUMAB THERAPY

Abstract

Secukinumab is an anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of psoriasis, a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease. However, IL-17 is essential in immunity against oral opportunistic fungal pathogens; therefore, oral candidiasis can occur in patients treated with this drug, although adverse oral events are not widely described. A 72-year-old male patient with arthritis psoriasis managed with Secukinumab 300 mg once a month, for 90 days, presented a burning white plaque on the mid dorsal posterior tongue. Fungal culture was performed and a diagnosis of oral candidiasis was established. Systemic and topical antifungal medication led to regression of the lesion and burning sensation resolution. No symptoms or recurrence of the lesion were observed after six months of follow up. This case highlighted the importance of monitoring patients who are under treatment with IL-17 blockers due to the risk of opportunistic infections. Secukinumab is an anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of psoriasis, a frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease. However, IL-17 is essential in immunity against oral opportunistic fungal pathogens; therefore, oral candidiasis can occur in patients treated with this drug, although adverse oral events are not widely described. A 72-year-old male patient with arthritis psoriasis managed with Secukinumab 300 mg once a month, for 90 days, presented a burning white plaque on the mid dorsal posterior tongue. Fungal culture was performed and a diagnosis of oral candidiasis was established. Systemic and topical antifungal medication led to regression of the lesion and burning sensation resolution. No symptoms or recurrence of the lesion were observed after six months of follow up. This case highlighted the importance of monitoring patients who are under treatment with IL-17 blockers due to the risk of opportunistic infections.