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How to manage infections in the era of biologics?
Author(s) -
Saraceno Rosita,
Chimenti Sergio
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00189.x
Subject(s) - medicine , psoriasis , immunology , immune system , tuberculosis , tumor necrosis factor alpha , mycobacterium tuberculosis , listeria monocytogenes , pneumocystis carinii , pneumocystis jirovecii , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , biology , bacteria , pathology , genetics
Biologic agents are immunosuppressants that target cytokines or specific immune cell subpopulations. Many therapies interfere with the normal inflammatory cascade and with the immune system, causing an increase in the incidence of infections. In particular, treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α antagonists in psoriasis patients is associated with an increased risk of infection caused by intracellular microorganisms. TNF‐α plays an important role in host resistance against infectious and several cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Listeria monocytogenes , and Pneumocystis carinii have been reported with anti‐TNF‐α agents. Furthermore, B and T cells are essential to the immune response; thus, their specific reduction or inhibition by targeting molecules in T‐cell cutaneous lymphomas and psoriasis could increase the risk for viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. A prompt and appropriate management of infections with the emergence of biologics is essential in clinical practice.