[Virus-associated arthritis]

From the about 400 virus species known to cause illness in man, only a small but growing list of representatives are able to induce arthritis. Although virus-associated arthritides are mostly of acute and short-living type, some patients develop long-lasting or even chronic joint inflammation. The viral or host factors which contribute to chronicity or severity of viral joint disease are not known. However, the study of patients with long-lasting viral arthritis and of patients with idiopathic chronic arthritides may allow unique insights into the potential role of viruses in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint disease.