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Reactive arthritis following an outbreak of Campylobacter jejuni infection

Timo Hannu1, Markku Kauppi, Marja Tuomala

  • 1Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Timo.Hannu@ttl.fi

The Journal of Rheumatology
|March 3, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The frequency of reactive arthritis (ReA) following a Campylobacter jejuni outbreak was low at 2.6%. Most ReA patients experienced mild symptoms and good outcomes, with a low association with the HLA-B27 antigen.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Campylobacter jejuni infections can lead to reactive arthritis (ReA), a significant musculoskeletal complication.
  • Understanding the incidence and clinical presentation of ReA post-outbreak is crucial for patient management and public health surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the occurrence of musculoskeletal (MSK) complications, specifically reactive arthritis (ReA), after a Campylobacter jejuni outbreak.
  • To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of individuals who developed MSK issues following the infection.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 350 individuals exposed during a 2000 C. jejuni outbreak in Finland were monitored.
  • Patients with acute MSK complaints were referred for specialist examination within 3 months of the outbreak's onset.

Main Results:

  • Nine out of 350 individuals (2.6%) were diagnosed with ReA. Other MSK diagnoses included reactive arthralgia and exacerbations of pre-existing conditions.
  • The majority of ReA patients presented with mild oligoarticular or polyarticular arthritis, primarily affecting the knees and ankles.
  • Clinical sacroiliitis was observed in one patient; 33% of ReA patients were HLA-B27 positive. Most patients showed subsiding symptoms or were symptom-free at follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of reactive arthritis following this C. jejuni outbreak was low.
  • The clinical picture of ReA in this cohort was generally mild, with favorable outcomes and a non-elevated association with HLA-B27.

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