Survey for immune complexes in disseminated gonococcal arthritis-dermatitis syndrome

Seventeen patients with characteristic disseminated gonococcal arthritis-dermatitis syndrome were studied for the presence of immune complexes, and circulating gonococcal antigen and antibody. The two immune complex techniques, monoclonal rheumatoid factor assay and cryoglobulin survey, did not reveal any consistent abnormalities. Complement levels (CH50, C'3, C'4) were not consistent with peripheral consumption except in 2 patients with coinciding systemic lupus erythematosus. Gonococcal antibody was detected in 47% of patients when they presented with the syndrome. However, gonococcal antigen was not found in either serum or synovial fluid. These results do not support the hypothesis that circulating immune complexes are involved in the pathogenesis of disseminated gonococcal arthritis-dermatitis syndrome.