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Updated: Jun 14, 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

[Non tuberculous anti-TNF associated opportunistic infections]

I Marie1, E Guglielmino

  • 1Département de médecine interne, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France. isabelle.marie@chu-rouen.fr

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|April 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) therapies improve autoimmune disease treatment but increase infection risk. Close monitoring for opportunistic infections is crucial during anti-TNFalpha therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) agents have transformed rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathies, and Crohn's disease treatment.
  • A significant concern with these therapies is the elevated risk of infections.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the spectrum of infectious complications associated with anti-TNFalpha therapy.
  • To emphasize the importance of pre-treatment screening and ongoing patient monitoring.

Summary:

  • Common infections include pyogenic bacteria and tuberculosis.
  • Opportunistic infections, such as those caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, Nocardia, Leishmania, and viruses (e.g., CMV, HHV-8), are increasingly reported.
  • These infections typically manifest early in treatment and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality.

Impact:

  • Pre-treatment screening for infections, particularly tuberculosis, is recommended before initiating anti-TNFalpha therapy.
  • Vigilant follow-up is essential to detect opportunistic infections promptly.
  • Managing infection risk is critical for optimizing patient outcomes in anti-TNFalpha-treated populations.

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