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TNF-α inhibitors, including infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept, are used to treat various inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. However, these treatments may predispose patients to fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, candidiasis and aspergillosis. In this study, we systematically reviewed case reports to critically examine the correlations between anti-TNF-α therapies and the occurrence of invasive and superficial fungal infections. Infliximab was the most commonly used TNF-α inhibitor (50.65%). The highest number of fungal infections during anti-TNF34 α therapy was reported in the USA (84.25%). The conditions treated primarily included rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 517 invasive fungal infections were identified, including histoplasmosis, invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis, with histoplasmosis being the most common. Most studies were conducted in higher-income countries, highlighting the critical lack of research on the use of immunobiologicals in relation to fungal diseases in African countries, which requires further attention. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between adalimumab use and increased risks of candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, onychomycosis and pityriasis versicolor. For etanercept, significant associations were found with aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, dermatophytosis, invasive candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor and onychomycosis. Infliximab use was significantly associated with coccidioidomycosis, onychomycosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and invasive candidiasis. The data presented in this study clearly demonstrate an association between the use of TNF-α inhibitors and an increased risk of fungal infections. It is imperative that healthcare professionals maintain a high level of vigilance when managing patients on these medications. Regular monitoring and proactive management strategies are essential to mitigate risks and ensure patient safety.
BARBOSA et al. (Sat,) studied this question.