Reactivation of HBV may occur with chemotherapy, organ and tissue transplantation, High dose corticosteroids, and biologicals targeting tumor necrosis factor - alpha (TNF - α), Anti-TNF medications are used in
treating rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, digestive conditions that include Crohn's and colitis, and dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis.
In the mid-1940s, the Department of Defense commissioned researchers, led by infectious
disease scientist Charles Rammelkamp, to study whether
treating strep with penicillin would also prevent
rheumatic heart
disease, then a serious problem among troops.