[Infectious risk associated with new biological therapies : an update]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Immunosuppressive therapies, including biological agents and targeted treatments, present a complex and varied infectious risk.
• This risk is influenced by the specific immunological target, the patient's underlying condition, host factors, and the degree of immunosuppression.
• Infections can manifest as more frequent or severe common infections, opportunistic infections, or reactivation of latent pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide updated practical guidance for managing infectious risk in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
• To offer strategies for prevention, screening, monitoring, and prophylaxis tailored to these patients.
• To serve as a resource for healthcare professionals managing complex patient populations.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current literature on immunosuppression and infection risk.
• Expert consensus and clinical experience in managing infectious complications.
• Update of previously published guidelines from 2020.

Main Results:

• Identification of key factors contributing to heterogeneous infectious risk.
• Outline of essential preventive strategies: screening, monitoring, vaccination, and prophylaxis.
• Recommendations for specialist consultation in high-risk cases.

Conclusions:

• Proactive management of infectious risk is crucial for patients on immunosuppressive therapies.
• A multi-faceted approach involving monitoring, prevention, and timely intervention is necessary.
• This guidance aims to optimize patient outcomes by mitigating infection-related complications.