[Reactive arthritis associated with infections and intestinal infestations]

Reactive arthritis is a non suppurative articular inflammation following an infection elsewhere in the body. It probably occurs by interaction of external infections agents and immunological factors that mediate the host's response to the agent's antigens. The authors reviewed the role of gastrointestinal infection and infestation as a cause of reactive arthritis. Since there are no good diagnostic criteria for reactive arthritis and the investigations in this area are difficult, it is possible that many of these cases are misdiagnosed.