[Infections and rheumatic diseases: a view of the problem in the beginning of XXI century].

The problem of infectious pathology is quite actual for state-of-the-art rheumatology. Various infectious agents take part in the development of rheumatic diseases (RD), playing a trigger role and launching immune mechanisms of inflammation. Besides, comorbid infection often complicates the RD course due to the immune status disorders connected with a background disease and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Treatment of such pathology is an important task. The main data on frequency and localization of infections in RD are represented. The authors also proved necessity of clinical researches with the aim of development of optimal antimicrobial therapy and prophylaxis of infections in RD patients.