Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with HIV and leprosy.

Background: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an unusual inflammatory reaction to an opportunistic infection that occurs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with profound immunosuppression during the reconstitution of the immune system in the initial months of highly active antiretroviral treatment.

Observations: We describe 3 cases of leprosy occurring in patients treated with a combination of 3 antiretroviral drugs who fulfilled the criteria for IRIS. A reactional state occurred in all 3 cases.