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Infectious agents in chronic rheumatic diseases.
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Infectious microbes may trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Research explores how these microorganisms contribute to connective tissue disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- The link between infectious microorganisms and autoimmune diseases is a significant area of research.
- Establishing a causal relationship between microbes and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update on mechanisms by which microbes may initiate or sustain connective tissue disease.
- To focus on current theories regarding specific microbial roles in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on microbial pathogenesis in autoimmune and connective tissue diseases.
- Analysis of current theories and proposed mechanisms linking specific microorganisms to rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Main Results:
- Microbes may contribute to autoimmune disease through various pathogenic mechanisms.
- Specific microorganisms are being investigated for their potential roles in rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Conclusions:
- Infectious agents are plausible contributors to the development and progression of autoimmune and connective tissue diseases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific microbial roles and causal links in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.