Review and Practical Guidance on Managing Fungal Infections in Patients With Psoriasis Receiving Anti-IL-17 Therapies.

The IL-17 signalling pathway is a major target in treatment of plaque psoriasis. IL-17 signalling contributes to chronic inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia seen in psoriatic lesions. Blocking the IL-17 signalling cascade is an effective method in treating this disease. However, IL-17 also plays a role in the immunological protection against fungal infections and therefore, patients on IL-17 biologics experience an increased rate of fungal infections, specifically . It is prudent that patients and physicians are aware of this risk and understand how to recognize and manage infections. In this review, we examine the infection rates associated with IL-17 biologics, both in clinical trials and real-world practice. We discuss common presentations associated with various types of candidiasis and propose a recommended management approach to treating these infections.