Prevention and management of infectious complications in IBD

In an era of increasing use of immunomodulating therapy and biologics, opportunistic infections have emerged as a pivotal safety concern for patients with IBD. Clinical studies, registries and case reports warn of the increased risk of infection, particularly opportunistic infections. The current challenge to physicians lies not only in managing IBD, but also in recognizing, preventing and treating common and uncommon infections. The European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO) guidelines on the management and prevention of opportunistic infections in patients with IBD provide clinicians with guidance on the prevention, detection and management of such infections. The proposals therein may appear radical, potentially changing current practice, but we believe that these recommendations will help optimize patient outcome by reducing the morbidity and mortality related to these infections. In this ongoing process, prevention is by far the most important step; this relies on the recognition of risk factors for infection, the use of primary or secondary chemoprophylaxis, careful monitoring (clinical and laboratory work-up) before and during use of immunomodulators and the vaccination and education of the patient. Special recommendations should also be given to patients before and after travelling. Management of infection in IBD patients is case-dependent. Severe infection should be treated according to advice from infectious-disease experts.