Disseminated tuberculosis in a patient on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor treatment for ankylosing spondylitis : a case report

Abstract

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are commonly used in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) due to their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and slowing disease progression. However, their use is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, particularly tuberculosis (TB). This case report presents a young male patient in the United Kingdom (UK) with AS, who had been on long-term biological therapy with adalimumab, a TNF-α inhibitor. The patient developed disseminated TB, which rapidly progressed and unfortunately resulted in the patient's death. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive screening for latent TB before initiating TNF-α inhibitor therapy, as well as ongoing monitoring throughout treatment. Given the multicultural nature of the UK, where individuals may be exposed to TB without traveling to endemic areas, careful attention to TB risk across all ethnicities is critical. This case highlights the need for heightened vigilance and tailored preventive strategies to mitigate the risks of TNF-α therapy.