Screening for Neoehrlichia mikurensis and other emerging tick-borne pathogens in Swedish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus receiving B-cell-targeted therapies

Authors' conclusion

Evidence suggests that B-cell-targeted therapies may raise eTBD risk; however, none of the individuals with SLE included herein was found to be infected, despite the documented presence of these pathogens in Southeastern Sweden. Our findings contrast with those from Norwegian immunocompromised patients, but are in line with data from the Danish nationwide Rheumatological Database, including patients with arthritis receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. Hypothetically, higher doses of glucocorticoids impair B-cell function and increase the risk of eTBD further. Nevertheless, routine eTBD screening of patients with SLE in Southeastern Sweden is not supported by our data.