Reactive arthritis following Salmonella infection: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Salmonella infections can lead to reactive arthritis (ReA) and other reactive musculoskeletal conditions.
• Understanding the incidence and clinical features of these post-infectious complications is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and clinical presentation of Salmonella-associated reactive arthritis (ReA).
• To investigate other reactive musculoskeletal symptoms following Salmonella infection.
• To assess the arthritogenicity of different Salmonella enterica serotypes.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to 999 individuals with Salmonella-positive stool cultures, focusing on enteric and musculoskeletal symptoms.
• Clinical examinations were conducted for subjects reporting recent symptoms.
• Analysis included self-reported symptoms and clinical findings.

Main Results:

• Of 496 respondents, 4.4% developed ReA and 13.7% experienced other reactive musculoskeletal symptoms (ReTe).
• Salmonella Enteritidis was the most common serotype in ReA patients. ReA was typically monoarticular or oligoarticular.
• Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 was positive in 42% of ReA patients. No significant difference in musculoskeletal complication rates was found across different Salmonella O antigen groups.

Conclusions:

• Reactive arthritis (ReA) occurs in 4.4% of patients post-Salmonella infection, with an estimated annual incidence of 1.8/100,000 in Finland.
• The study found no statistically significant differences in the arthritogenicity of various Salmonella serotypes in triggering musculoskeletal complications.