Rituximab-Induced Serum Sickness in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Cureus 2026 Open access

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Authors: Asmae Sikkal, Salma Ouahmane, Hicham El Otmani, Bouchra El Moutawakil, Mohammed Abdoh Rafai
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101911
Cited by: 1
References: 10

Abstract

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that is becoming increasingly used in multiple sclerosis. In rare cases, rituximab may induce a delayed immune-mediated reaction such as rituximab-induced serum sickness. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis who developed rituximab-induced serum sickness characterized by fever, diffuse rash, lymphadenopathy, and arthralgia nine days after her first rituximab infusion. We reviewed the number of cases in a literature review, discussing their characteristics and mechanisms and the implications for using alternative anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as ocrelizumab or ofatumumab for the management of multiple sclerosis.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders Polyomavirus and related diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e101911–e101911
Publication date
20 January 2026
Language
EN