Infliximab Does Not Worsen Outcomes During Flare-ups Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

Background: Immunosuppressive therapies used for treating ulcerative colitis are known to favor chronic and latent viral diseases. This study aimed at evaluating prospectively the association between colonic cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibodies (mabs) by comparison to azathioprine (AZA) in a series of flare-ups occurring in consecutive ulcerative colitis patients.

Methods: A total of 109 flare-ups were recorded in 73 patients receiving a maintenance therapy by anti-TNF mabs (n = 69) or AZA (n = 40).