JGH open : an open access journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Cure8 research brief
Why This Matters
Respiratory viral infections can be more serious in immunosuppressed patients. This study suggests systemic steroids (prednisolone) — but not biologics or immunomodulators in this dataset — were linked to higher detection of respiratory viruses in people with IBD.
Who Should Pay Attention
Adults with IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), clinicians managing IBD medications (especially steroid prescribing), and researchers studying infection risk in immunosuppressed populations.
Study Snapshot
Story typeResearch paper
Evidence typeResearch paper
Source depthJournal abstract
What To Know
This study reviewed respiratory viral PCR results from 184 IBD patients (288 respiratory episodes) seen at a single hospital between 2020 and 2023. Detectable respiratory pathogens were found in 14% of episodes; SARS-CoV-2, RSV, and influenza were among the viruses identified.
The authors report no association between detectable respiratory pathogens and use of advanced biologic therapies or immunomodulators (including infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, azathioprine/mercaptopurine). Concurrent prednisolone (systemic steroid) use was associated with a higher odds of a positive respiratory pathogen test.
The paper’s main take-away for people with IBD is the signal that steroid exposure — not biologic or immunomodulator use in this cohort — was linked to more frequent detectable respiratory viruses, supporting the strategy of minimizing prolonged steroid use when possible.
This summary is based on the article abstract provided by the journal; Cure8 has not reviewed the full published paper beyond that abstract.
Keep In Mind
Retrospective, single-center study using respiratory PCR results from symptomatic patients; findings show associations but do not prove causation. The summary is grounded in the article abstract.
Source Details
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
Research paper
Evidence type derived from source or registry metadata.
PublicationJGH open : an open access journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
AuthorsD Huynh, E Khoo, A Shanmuga Anandan +1 more
InstitutionMater Hospital Brisbane South Brisbane Australia.
Study typeJournal article
Indexed viaPubMed
Source typeResearch paper
PublishedAug 5, 2026, 12:00 AM
Content availableJournal abstract
Conflict statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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