title: Biologic therapy and risk of infection.
abstract: Biologic compounds are being used more frequently to treat a multitude of systemic inflammatory conditions. These novel compounds are composed of antibodies or other peptides that act through one of three mechanisms: inhibiting inflammatory cytokine signaling (typically tumor necrosis factor or TNF), inhibiting T-cell activation, or depleting B-cells. The increase in use and ever expanding list of new immune modulating therapies make knowledge of the infectious complications associated with immune modulation even more important. Of particular concern is the risk for developing atypical and opportunistic infections including tuberculosis, herpes zoster, Legionella pneumophila, and Listeria monocytogenes.
authors.affiliation: Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Rana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mays
authors.forename: Hung
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Doan
authors.forename: Whitney
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lapolla
authors.forename: Stephen K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Tyring
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha