Disseminated blastomycosis in a patient with polycythemia vera on ruxolitinib

Abstract

Ruxolitinib (RUX) is a kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of various medical conditions and its mechanism of action involves suppression of the immune system. While beneficial in treatment of polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis and other indications, it can also increase a patient’s susceptibility to various infections, including bacterial, viral and fungal. We present a case of a patient being treated with RUX who presented with a disseminated fungal infection. This case emphasises the need for vigilance of endemic fungal infections in individuals who are on RUX therapy.