Anti-interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) autoantibodies has been recognised as an adult-onset immunodeficiency in the past decade in people who originate from Southeast Asia. These patients are susceptible to particular opportunistic infections, especially non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). We present the case of a woman whom originally came from Thailand with disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex
... [Show full abstract] infection (pleural, pericardium, bloodstream and lung parenchymal involvement). Her infection continued to progress while receiving proper antibiotic treatment. Once high titre neutralising anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies were detected, rituximab was added as adjunctive treatment. The patient had remarkable clinical improvement against persistence of anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies. Although her lung disease has improved, the patient continues on triple therapy for NTM. The kinetics of anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies in the context of clinical progression, indication and length for rituximab and triple therapy is discussed in view of the current literature.
