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HLA-B27, arthritis and Yersinia enterocolitica infection
Abstract:
Over a 3 1/2-yr period 25 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis were observed. This is a frequency of about 1% of the new patients seen at our Rheumatology Clinic. The histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27 was found in 14 of the 25 patients with Yersinia arthritis (56%). There was no difference in duration of disease, joint symptoms or laboratory data between the HLA-B27 positive or negative group. Six cases had a disease course longer than 1 yr. Four of them had a disease onset before the age of 16 yr and all cases had knee joint involvement. Our findings are discussed in relation to reports from other centers.
Insights
Yersinia enterocolitica can cause arthritis in about 1% of rheumatology patients. While HLA-B27 is common, it did not affect disease duration or symptoms in these Yersinia arthritis cases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- Yersinia enterocolitica is a pathogen that can cause reactive arthritis.
- The prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis in a rheumatology clinic setting is not well-established.
- The association between HLA-B27 and Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis among new patients at a rheumatology clinic.
- To investigate the prevalence of the histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27 in patients with Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis.
- To compare disease characteristics between HLA-B27 positive and negative patients with Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 25 cases of Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis over a 3.5-year period.
- Assessment of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory data.
- HLA-B27 antigen typing for all identified cases.
Main Results:
- Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis accounted for approximately 1% of new patients seen at the rheumatology clinic.
- The histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27 was present in 56% (14 of 25) of patients.
- No significant differences in disease duration, joint symptoms, or laboratory data were observed between HLA-B27 positive and negative patients.
- Six cases had a chronic disease course (>1 year), with four having onset before age 16 and all exhibiting knee joint involvement.
Conclusions:
- Yersinia enterocolitica arthritis is an uncommon but observable cause of arthritis in rheumatology settings.
- While HLA-B27 is frequently found in these patients, it does not appear to influence disease duration or clinical presentation.
- Chronic arthritis and knee involvement may be more common in younger patients or those with persistent Yersinia enterocolitica infection.