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Mycoplasmas and arthritides
T Schaeverbeke1, J P Vernhes, L Lequen
1Rheumatology Department, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux, France. thierry.schaeverbeke@labbebear.u-bordeaux2.fr
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases might be triggered by infectious agents. We have reviewed the evidence suggesting that mycoplasmas may play a role in the genesis of arthritis. Mycoplasmas are a common cause of spontaneous arthritis in many animal species. Numerous experimental models of mycoplasma-induced arthritis have been developed, some with mycoplasmas known to cause disease in humans. Mycoplasmas entertain complex relationships with the immune system of their hosts and frequently induce autoimmune events such as rheumatoid factor production. However, the potential role of mycoplasmas in human joint disease remains unknown. Mycoplasmas can be responsible for septic arthritis in patients with immune deficiencies, especially hypogammaglobulinemia. Whether mycoplasmas can incite or perpetuate inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial. Advances in molecular biology techniques for detecting infectious agents can be expected to settle this issue in the near future.
Insights
Infectious agents like mycoplasmas may trigger rheumatoid arthritis. While mycoplasmas cause arthritis in animals and can induce autoimmune events, their role in human joint disease is still under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, may be initiated by infectious agents.
- Mycoplasmas are known causes of spontaneous arthritis in various animal species.
- Experimental models demonstrate mycoplasma-induced arthritis, utilizing strains implicated in human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the potential role of mycoplasmas in the development of arthritis.
- To explore the complex interactions between mycoplasmas and host immune systems.
- To assess the current understanding and controversies surrounding mycoplasmas in human joint diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
- Analysis of mycoplasma-host immune system interactions.
- Examination of evidence for mycoplasma involvement in septic arthritis and inflammatory joint diseases.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasmas frequently induce autoimmune events, such as rheumatoid factor production, in experimental models.
- Mycoplasmas can cause septic arthritis in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with hypogammaglobulinemia.
- The direct role of mycoplasmas in inciting or perpetuating human inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis remains inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasmas have a demonstrated capacity to induce arthritis and autoimmune phenomena.
- The etiological link between mycoplasmas and human rheumatoid arthritis is not yet established but remains an area of active research.
- Advancements in molecular detection techniques are anticipated to clarify the role of mycoplasmas in human joint diseases.