Flow Cytometric Immune Profiling in Infliximab-Associated Tuberculosis

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor α antagonists are increasingly used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and are associated with increased risk of active tuberculosis. Diagnosis of active tuberculosis in patients taking tumor necrosis factor α antagonists can be challenging owing to increased incidence of extrapulmonary manifestations and false-negative results on current available diagnostic tests. We present a case of a young woman on infliximab for ulcerative colitis who presented with disseminated tuberculosis. As part of a research study, we performed flow cytometric immune profiling, which has previously not been reported in patients with active tuberculosis taking tumor necrosis α antagonists. The flow cytometry results were within the positive thresholds for tuberculosis infection. Flow cytometric immune profiling may be a valid diagnostic tool for patients taking tumor necrosis factor α antagonists.