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Sexually transmitted arthritis syndromes.
1Department of Rheumatology, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Westminster Hospital, London, England.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections can cause various rheumatic conditions, including reactive arthritis and septic arthritis. While some infections like gonorrhea respond to antibiotics, others like syphilis may cause lasting nerve damage.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known to trigger a range of rheumatic manifestations.
- These include septic arthritis, reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome), and other inflammatory joint conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse rheumatic lesions associated with various STIs.
- To discuss the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on STIs and rheumatic diseases.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, pathogenesis, and treatment responses.
Main Results:
- Disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes septic arthritis, responsive to antibiotics.
- Gonococcal and non-gonococcal infections can lead to reactive arthritis/Reiter's syndrome, with HLA B27 as a risk factor.
- Hepatitis B infection is linked to arthralgia, arthritis, and vasculitis.
- HIV infection is associated with seronegative arthritis, vasculitis, and myopathies.
- Syphilis can cause rheumatic syndromes, including neuropathic arthritis, with variable treatment outcomes.
- Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, lymphogranuloma venereum, and granuloma inguinale are rarely associated with joint issues.
Conclusions:
- STIs represent a significant cause of diverse rheumatic syndromes.
- Understanding the link between specific STIs and rheumatic manifestations is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- While antibiotic therapy is effective for some STIs-related rheumatic conditions, others may have long-term sequelae.