Viral infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on immunosuppressants.

The use of immunosuppressant medications and biologics such as tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists has revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. With increasing use of such agents, the risk of serious infections is a key safety concern for treated patients. Greater physician awareness about these potential infections is important to optimize patient outcomes through early recognition and potential preventive strategies. The authors present a comprehensive and concise review of clinically important viral infections associated with the inflammatory bowel disease therapy.