SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007 September 27, 2007 Minocycline induced autoimmunity Summary Background - It is now known that some individuals treated with the antibiotic Minocycline (Min) may develop autoantibodies and sometimes autoimmune diseases. Findings - Min associated autoimmunity was investigated by Marza et al of the Univ of Leeds in the UK. In a large group of young patients with acne vulgaris, 69% had been treated chronically with Min. The incidence of positive ANA was not higher than non-Min treated acne patients (13 vs 11%). However, higher ANA titers were usually seen in the Min treated group. Positive ANCA were seen in 7% of the Min exposed but in none of those not Min exposed. These ANCA were usually p-ANCA (anti-MPO) some of whom had symptoms suggestive of vasculitis. Reference Br J Dermatol 2007;156:1005-9 Editor's Comments I have reviewed this report because so many young people are treated chronically with Min, sometimes for 1-2 years. Others have reported other auto antibodies and disorders including autoimmune hepatitis attributed to chronic Min therapy.   © Copyright 1997-2007 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology All rights reserved