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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Legionella pneumophila Outer Membrane Vesicles: Isolation and Analysis of Their Pro-inflammatory Potential on Macrophages
08:34

Legionella pneumophila Outer Membrane Vesicles: Isolation and Analysis of Their Pro-inflammatory Potential on Macrophages

Published on: February 22, 2017

A case of legionellosis during treatment with a TNFalpha antagonist

Marielle J Wondergem1, Alexandre E Voskuyl, Michiel A van Agtmael

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Infliximab therapy for rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of Legionella pneumonia. This suggests a potential rise in intracellular infections following anti-TNFalpha treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) therapies, like infliximab, are used for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • These therapies modulate the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections.

Observation:

  • A patient developed Legionella pneumophila pneumonia after receiving infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • This case highlights a potential link between anti-TNFα therapy and specific intracellular infections.

Findings:

  • The study discusses an emerging incidence of intracellular microorganism infections (granulomatous and non-granulomatous) in patients treated with anti-TNFα therapy.
  • Evidence includes clinical, epidemiological, and experimental data, alongside a proposed pathogenetic mechanism.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider the risk of intracellular infections, including Legionella, in patients on anti-TNFα therapy.
  • Further research is warranted to understand and manage infection risks associated with immunomodulatory treatments for autoimmune diseases.

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