Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 7, 2025

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

10.8K

Infectious risk in multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease-modifying therapies: A three-year observational

Maria Antonella Zingaropoli, Patrizia Pasculli1, Marco Iannetta2

  • 1Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.

Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental, Translational and Clinical
|January 10, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) can increase infection risk. Screening and regular monitoring of MS patients on these therapies helps manage infectious risks and ensures treatment safety.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are crucial for managing multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • These therapies can potentially increase the risk of infections in MS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the infectious risk associated with DMTs in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of screening and monitoring protocols for infections in MS patients undergoing DMT.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study followed 174 MS patients over three years.
  • Patients were screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis (TB) infections before, during, or after DMT initiation.
  • Infectious risk was monitored throughout the DMT treatment period.

Main Results:

  • Out of 174 patients, 18 were positive for anti-HBc and 19 for QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT).
  • No HBV reactivation occurred in anti-HBc positive patients before DMT. 17 latent TB infections and 2 active TB infections were identified and treated.
  • During DMT, one case of HBV reactivation and seven cases of viral reactivation (HSV-1, VZV) were observed and successfully treated.

Conclusions:

  • Pre-treatment screening for infectious diseases in MS patients considered for DMT is essential for mitigating risks.
  • Regular assessment of infectious risk during DMT treatment allows for continued MS therapy and enhances patient safety.
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosisdisease-modifying therapiesinfectious risk

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice05:44

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice

Published on: October 13, 2023

1.6K
Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines09:46

Rat Model of Widespread Cerebral Cortical Demyelination Induced by an Intracerebral Injection of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Published on: September 21, 2021

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.7K
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors01:29

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
8
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
388
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
14
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
103
Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies01:11

Bioavailability Study Design: Single Versus Multiple Dose Studies

Bioavailability studies are essential for understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. These studies assess the extent and rate at which the active pharmaceutical agent becomes available at the site of action. The design of bioavailability studies can involve single-dose or multiple-dose regimens, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Single-dose studies are the preferred approach due to their simplicity and reduced drug exposure for...
9