Hsu CY, et al. - Researchers determined a total of 76,966 individuals who had polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM, 2,270 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, 15,961 cases), systemic sclerosis (SSc, 2,071 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 38,355 cases), or primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS, 18,309 cases) from 2000–2013 in order to evaluate and contrast the burdens of opportunistic infections and herpes zoster in real-world practice among individuals with various systemic rheumatic diseases. The IR of opportunistic infections was greatest for PM/DM cases, followed by SLE, SSc, RA, and pSS cases. Multivariable Cox analysis exhibited that, PM/DM was related to a significantly greater risk of opportunistic infections in relation to SLE. During the first year following the diagnosis of all five rheumatic diseases, the highest risk of opportunistic infections was noted. In conclusion, for PM/DM, followed by SLE, SSc, RA, and pSS, the risk of opportunistic infection was highest. Moreover, for opportunistic infections, careful observation, and preventive therapy may be insured in certain individuals with PM/DM, particularly during the first year following the diagnosis.