Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
16:07

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method

Published on: September 16, 2017

[Infections and TNFalpha antagonist treatment]

Eric Dayer1, Gérard Praz

  • 1CONSILIA Laboratoires et conseils médicaux SA, Av. Grand-Champsec 86, 1950 Sion. eric.dayer@consilia-sa.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|November 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFa) antagonists are effective for chronic inflammatory diseases but increase infection risk. Proactive screening for latent tuberculosis and monitoring for leucopenia are crucial for patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFa) antagonists are established treatments for severe chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • Clinical use has revealed an increased risk of adverse events, particularly infections, associated with TNFa antagonists.
  • A practical approach is needed for the prevention and management of infections in patients receiving TNFa antagonists.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline strategies for preventing and monitoring infections in patients treated with TNFa antagonists.
  • To highlight the increased susceptibility to intracellular pathogens, including tuberculosis, with TNFa antagonist therapy.
  • To propose guidelines for managing infectious risks associated with TNFa antagonist use.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical data and established guidelines regarding TNFa antagonist therapy and infectious complications.
  • Emphasis on pre-treatment screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).
  • Recommendations for prophylactic measures and ongoing patient monitoring.

Main Results:

  • TNFa antagonists significantly elevate the risk of infections, especially those caused by intracellular pathogens.
  • Screening for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating TNFa antagonist treatment is essential.
  • Prophylaxis for LTBI is indicated in positive cases.
  • Minimizing global infectious risk involves optimal vaccination coverage and regular leucopenia screening.

Conclusions:

  • Proactive management of infectious risks is paramount for patients undergoing TNFa antagonist therapy.
  • Pre-treatment screening for latent tuberculosis and subsequent prophylaxis are critical.
  • Maintaining optimal vaccination status and monitoring for leucopenia further mitigate infection risks.

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