Arthralgias and arthritis in viral infections

Arthritis and arthralgias are common in many viral infections. They are particularly prominent with hepatitis B virus and rubella infection, where they may be the major presenting symptom. "Lyme arthritis" is also associated with a virus. Similar symptoms are occasionally seen with adenovirus, Coxsackie and echovirus infection. Joint lesions are due to the deposition of immune complexes and not direct viral infection. While the arthritis is usually transient and self-limited, the physician must consider viral infections as etiologic agents of arthralgias and arthritis.