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Updated: May 9, 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

Bacteremia in patients receiving TNF-alpha antagonists--a prospective multicenter study

Pierre Loulergue1, Florence Tubach, Dominique Salmon

  • 1Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de médecine, AP-HP, Service de Maladies Infectieuses, hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Centre d'infectiologie Necker Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France.

The Journal of Infection
|August 8, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Patients on TNF-alpha antagonists face a risk of bacteremia. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause, often linked to bone and joint infections, necessitating its inclusion in initial treatment plans.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists are widely used for chronic inflammatory diseases.
  • Previous studies suggest a potential link between TNF-alpha antagonist use and increased risk of serious bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of bacteremia in patients treated with TNF-alpha antagonists.
  • To identify common pathogens and outcomes associated with bacteremia in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A national prospective study was conducted in France (2004-2007) within the RATIO registry.
  • Collected and validated 47 cases of severe bacterial infections, specifically bacteremia, in patients receiving TNF-alpha antagonists.

Main Results:

  • Forty-seven episodes of bacteremia were reported.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent causative pathogen (40%).
  • S. aureus infections were often associated with bone and/or joint infections (68%) and resulted in worse outcomes compared to other pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Patients receiving TNF-alpha antagonists are susceptible to bacteremia.
  • Staphylococcus aureus should be considered in the empirical antimicrobial therapy for these patients.
Keywords:
AFSSAPSBacteremiaINSERMRATIORheumatoid arthritisStaphylococcus aureusTNFTumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonistagence française de la sécurité sanitaire des produits de santéinstitut national de la recherche médicalerecherche axée sur les biothérapiestumor necrosis factor

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