[Screening for tuberculosis infection prior to medical therapy].

Tumour necrosis factor antagonists (anti-TNFα) have become an invaluable treatment against chronic inflammatory diseases. Individuals treated with anti-TNFα have more than a fourfold increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation depending on the clinical setting and the TNF-antagonist used. All candidates for anti-TNFα treatment in Denmark should be evaluated for possible latent TB using history of exposure, chest X-ray and an interferon-γ release assay. Preventive chemotherapy is recommended for all individuals with latent TB infection before initiation of anti-TNFα as it is expected to reduce the risk of progression to active TB.