[Infectious agents in the etiopathogenesis of rheumatic diseases]. / Los agentes infecciosos en la etiopatogenia de las enfermedades reumáticas.

This article is an author's view of how to face the knowledge about infectious agents and their pathogenic role in the starting immune mechanisms, trying to clarify its role in the origin of some rheumatic diseases. From the basic immune responds, recent evidence and newly molecular mechanisms are dissected as well as diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

[Infectious complications associated with the use of tumor necrosis factor antagonist drugs: a review]. / Complicaciones infecciosas asociadas al uso de fármacos antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral. Revisión de conjunto.

Treatment with tumor necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNF) is an innovative therapeutic approach that requires supervised administration by specialists in rheumatology and inflammatory diseases. Collaboration by infectious diseases consultants with expertise in these biological therapies is crucial to detect the development of one of the most frequent and fearsome associated adverse events: infections, particularly, tuberculosis. The tasks of these specialists include screening for tuberculosis prior to anti-TNF therapy, recommending prophylactic measures, detecting latent tuberculosis and avoiding its reactivation, and assessing potential risk and benefits before starting anti-TNF therapy. Moreover, close follow-up of on-treatment patients is mandatory to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of any infectious event caused by bacteria, fungi or mycobacteria.