A Case of Herpes Zoster Following the First Dose of Benralizumab

Introduction: Biological agents used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and malignancies cause an increase in herpes zoster susceptibility. This may also be the case for monoclonal antibody treatments used in asthma based on recent pharmacovigilance data. Case report: Herpetic lesions occurred on the anterior chest wall of a 43-year-old patient who was initiated on benralizumab treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma. The patient received diagnosis of herpes zoster and showed significant clinical improvement with oral valacyclovir treatment. Since it was not certain whether the herpes eruption was directly related to benralizumab treatment, benralizumab treatment was continued at the patient's request and with the approval of the dermatology department. The patient did not experience recurrent herpes eruptions or any other clinical problems with the repeated doses given.