Prevention and recognition of mycobacterial disease is of increasing importance to the practicing rheumatologist. Tuberculosis remains a well-known problem for patients and clinicians wishing to use immunosuppressive therapies. Less well recognized, and yet perhaps more important to consider in this context, is nontuberculous mycobacterial disease. Epidemiological data and mechanistic explanations for the increased risk of mycobacterial infection in patients with RA are reviewed herein, and appropriate strategies to prevent and manage these comorbidities are outlined.
- Kevin L. Winthrop
- Michael Iseman
