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Of bugs and joints: the relationship between infection and joints

Luis R Espinoza1, Ignacio García-Valladares

  • 1Departamento de Medicina Interna, Sección de Reumatología, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Nueva Orleans, Estados Unidos. lespin1@lsuhsc.edu

Reumatologia Clinica
|September 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Microbial infections of joints, like septic arthritis, remain challenging to diagnose and treat, despite advances. Research is exploring links between gut microbiota, periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis for new insights.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • The relationship between microbes and joint health is ancient and complex.
  • Diagnosing joint infections can be difficult, and septic arthritis carries high morbidity and mortality.
  • Advances in diagnostics and therapeutics have been made, but challenges persist.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of infectious and reactive arthritis.
  • To highlight emerging infectious agents implicated in joint disease.
  • To explore the potential role of the gut microbiota and periodontal disease in rheumatoid arthritis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic advancements.
  • Discussion of emergent infections and their impact on joint health.
  • Exploration of current research on the microbiome's role in inflammatory arthritis.

Main Results:

  • Complete remission is possible for reactive arthritis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has reduced complications in HIV-associated joint manifestations.
  • Strong consideration is given to the infectious etiology of rheumatoid arthritis, with focus on periodontal disease and gut microbiota.

Conclusions:

  • Despite progress, septic arthritis remains a significant clinical challenge.
  • Emerging viruses and the gut microbiome are critical areas of ongoing research in joint diseases.
  • Understanding microbial associations is key to improving outcomes for various forms of arthritis.
Keywords:
Artritis reactivaArtritis reumatoideArtritis sépticaMicrobiotaReactive arthritisRheumatoid arthritisSeptic arthritis

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