Abstract

Interferon, as an immunomodulatory agent, may be responsible for reactivation of Brucellosis in immunocompromised patients such as subjects with thalassemia. We report a case of 52 year old man with brucellosis reactivation during the therapy with Pegylated Interferon-alpha for chronic HCV infection. History included: previous living in rural area, tangent with sheep and cattle, prolonged fever and night sweats. At 16 weeks of treatment patient was negative for HCV-RNA PCR but experienced flu-like syndrome. Afterwards, weight loss and positive serologic studies for brucellosis were present. Antibiotic therapy leaded to a good clinical response within a few days and for the six months later. In endemic region, the past history of brucellosis should be considered prior to start of Interferon-alpha therapy particularly in the immunocompromised hosts. © E&C Hepatology, 2011.