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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A 3D Human Lung Tissue Model for Functional Studies on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Published on: October 5, 2015
Tuberculosis associated with infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor alpha-neutralizing agent
1Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. jkeane@lung.bumc.bu.edu
Tuberculosis can develop soon after starting infliximab (a TNF-alpha inhibitor). Physicians should screen patients for latent tuberculosis before prescribing this medication to prevent adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Infliximab is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor used for Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
- While TNF-alpha has a complex role in tuberculosis, its direct protective role in patients is not established.
- Over 147,000 patients worldwide have received infliximab treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between infliximab therapy and the development of tuberculosis.
- To analyze reported cases of tuberculosis following infliximab treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tuberculosis reports submitted to the FDA's MedWatch system up to May 29, 2001.
- Review of case details including time to diagnosis and disease presentation.
Main Results:
- 70 cases of tuberculosis were reported after infliximab therapy, with a median onset of 12 weeks.
- Tuberculosis developed within three infusions in 48 patients, often as extrapulmonary disease (40 cases).
- The frequency of tuberculosis was significantly higher with infliximab compared to other opportunistic infections and background rates.
Conclusions:
- Active tuberculosis can manifest shortly after initiating infliximab treatment.
- Screening for latent tuberculosis infection or disease is crucial before prescribing infliximab.
- Early detection and management are vital for patients on infliximab therapy.
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