# Infection Risk in Biological Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how biological drugs used in rheumatology increase infection risks and what factors influence these risks.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of infection risks and prevention guidelines for patients on bDMARDs.

## Key findings

- Patients on bDMARDs face a higher risk of infections compared to those on traditional therapies.
- Certain bDMARD agents are more strongly associated with specific types of infections.
- Updated guidelines emphasize infection screening and monitoring for patients on these drugs.

## Abstract

Rheumatology patients on biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have been proposed to be at a higher risk of infections. Our review summarizes the current evidence behind this theory as well as explores which factors predispose patients to various infections, which agents are more likely to cause infections, and which infections are common in these patients. We also aim to explore updated guidelines on infection prevention in patients on bDMARDs.