Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Prevalence and the Risk of Reactivation in Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis Using Anti-TNF Agents and in those who are Biologic Naive

Abstract

Anti-TNF agents (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab) are widely used in inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis; however, they are not without side effects, potentially including lymphoma. We compared Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) levels in patients with inflammatory arthritis taking biologic agents and controls matched for disease, age, gender and disease duration who were biologic naïve. Secondly, we determined the risk of reactivation of EBV in patients taking biologics.