Severe Psoriasis With Positive Tuberculosis Test and Treatment With Biologic Therapy: A Case Report

Psoriasis and tuberculosis (TB) are 2 conditions with high prevalence in the general population, often present simultaneously in the same patient. The crucial cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), also is important in defending against mycobacteria. Therefore, it is important to screen patients for a latent TB infection (LTBI) while they are undergoing treatment with TNF-α antagonists. We present a case of a patient with psoriasis and LTBI who underwent treatment with etanercept.