[Indications and interpretation of serologic studies in reactive arthritis]

The big number of microorganisms known to cause arthritis following infections and also her biological variety make culture methods for the etiologic diagnosis difficult if not impossible in the individual case. Diagnostic possibilities offered by serology are practically unlimited. The search for the etiology can easily be adapted to the history and the clinical picture presented by the patient. Arthritis is usually accompanied by high antibody titers, which may be explained by a strong immunological reaction of the organism and the relatively long duration of the disease. The conditions required for a satisfactory interpretation of the results are discussed. Examples of real cases will illustrate the possibilities of diagnostic serology.