Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases

Overview

Journal J Bras Pneumol

Specialty Pulmonary Medicine

Date 2019 May 1

PMID 31038654

Citations 15

Authors

Camila Anton

Felipe Dominguez Machado

Jorge Mario Ahumada Ramirez

Rafaela Manzoni Bernardi

Penelope Esther Palominos

Claiton Viegas Brenol

Fernanda Carvalho de Queiroz Mello

Denise Rossato Silva

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Most people infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) do not have any signs or disease symptoms, a condition known as latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The introduction of biological agents, mainly tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases, increased the risk of reactivation of LTBI, leading to development of active TB. Thus, this review will approach the aspects related to LTBI in patients with rheumatologic diseases, especially those using iTNF drugs. For this purpose it will be considered the definition and prevalence of LTBI, mechanisms associated with diseases and medications in use, criteria for screening, diagnosis and treatment. Considering that reactivation of LTBI accounts for a large proportion of the incidence of active TB, adequate diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially in high-risk groups such as patients with rheumatologic diseases.

Citing Articles

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Prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test in a Brazilian sample of rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients.

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