ABSTRACT

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. TNF-α, also plays a critical role in host defenses against bacterial and particularly mycobacterial infections. Recently, anti-TNF-αa therapy has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The patients receiving anti-TNF-α treatment are under risk of increased susceptibility to tuberculosis and viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal infections. Because of this, patients should be monitored closely for the risk of severe and opportunistic infections.