What Is Reactive Arthritis and What Causes It – Surprising Link Between Urinary Infections and Pain in Joints

Reactive arthritis is generally a rare disease that occurs more often in younger patients. It is caused by a misguided immune system after infection, reveals Doz Dr. Jophannes Grisar of Wiener Privatklinik (WPK).

What causes this condition?

– The most common bacteria that cause reactive arthritis are Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Yersinia. They can be acquired as a urinary tract infection, as a respiratory tract infection or as gastroenteritis.

How does reactive arthritis manifest itself?

– A few days or weeks after infection (which can be asymptomatic), patients suffer from arthritis. Arthritis most often affects the knees or ankles and can be observed in several joints or only in one joint (monarthritis).

In what situations can genital infections be associated with reactive arthritis?

– Genital infections are relatively common and can sometimes be asymptomatic. The infection triggers an immune response to eradicate the bacteria. In reactive arthritis this also leads to (over)activation of the immune system which causes reactive arthritis.

What investigations are needed to establish the diagnosis?

– Generally a urethral swab testing for the mentioned bacteria is recommended, moreover antibodies against these bacteria also can be assessed in the serum. Furthermore, a laboratory test including CRP, HLA-B27, rheumatoid factor, anti-ccP and ANA (to distinguish it from other rheumatic diseases) as well as blood count, liver and kidney parameters should be performed. In case of diarrhea stool cultures should be performed.

What treatment methods does it have?

– Generally reactive arthritis should be treated by a rheumatologist. Usually non steroidal antirheumatic drugs are the initial therapy. If this is not sufficient glucocorticoids or even immunomodulating drugs, if the disease becomes chronic, should be considered.
WPK – one of the best private hospitals in the world

Wiener Privatklinik (WPK) is one of the most influential private clinics in Austria, which has been pronounced one of the best hospitals in the world for the second year in a row. The medical services provided by Wiener Privatklinik are grouped around 15 centers, and the oncology center of this hospital – WPK Central European Academy Cancer Center, is the most complex and reputable private center for cancer diagnostics and treatment in Central and East Europe.

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reactive arthritis

bacterial infections

urinary infections

pain in joints

genital infections