Tuberculosis during TNF-α inhibitor therapy, despite screening

Abstract

As part of a prospective study on the safety of TNF-α inhibitor therapy after screening for and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), we report two patients who developed active tuberculosis (TB) infection during TNF-α inhibitor therapy, despite negative screening for LTBI. The clinical history is suggestive of a primary infection acquired during travelling to TB-endemic countries. In this lesson of the month we would like to highlight the risk of travelling to TB-endemic areas in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitor therapy. Screening for latent tuberculosis infection is not enough to prevent tuberculosis in patients treated with TNF-α inhibitor therapy.

Keywords: Immunodeficiency; Infection Control; Respiratory Infection; Tuberculosis.