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Early arthritis and infection.
1Helsinki University Central Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Helsinki, Finland. marjatta.leirisalo-repo@hus.fi
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|June 16, 2005
Summary
Infections like viruses and bacteria are linked to acute arthritis. Further research is needed to understand if these infections cause chronic rheumatic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Infections are frequently associated with arthritis.
- The link between specific infections and the development of chronic rheumatic conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the association between infections and early-onset arthritis.
- To explore the potential role of infections in the pathogenesis of chronic rheumatic complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating infection-triggered arthritis.
- Analysis of associations between viral and microbial infections and acute/chronic arthritis development.
Main Results:
- Viral infections, including alphaviruses and HIV, are associated with various forms of arthritis.
- Campylobacter infections are increasingly implicated in reactive arthritis, though prolonged antibiotics show no benefit for acute phases.
- A preceding infection may initiate rheumatoid arthritis in approximately 20% of early-phase patients.
Conclusions:
- Both viral and microbial infections contribute to acute arthritis.
- Prospective, controlled studies are essential to elucidate the role of infections in the development of chronic arthritis.