Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Patient Who Developed COVID-19 While Receiving Rituximab: A Case Report

Abstract

　This case involves a man in his 60s who was undergoing rituximab therapy and developed COVID-19 pneumonia and showed persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Despite treatments with dexamethasone, remdesivir, tocilizumab, and other drugs, the patient remained SARS-CoV-2 positive and ultimately died of respiratory failure. Patients receiving B-cell depletion therapy have an increased risk of persistent viral infections due to immunosuppression, underscoring the importance of early intervention with antiviral drugs and neutralizing antibodies in such cases.