Epidemic reactive arthritis

Article Abstract:

Reactive arthritis is the inflammation of the joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and frequently, changes in structure; it occurs in response to some infectious agent. Although reactive arthritis generally occurs in isolated cases, epidemics of this disorder have been reported. Symptoms of reactive arthritis resemble those associated with Reiter's syndrome, characterized by inflammation of the urethra, joints, and conjunctiva, the mucous membrane lining the eyelids. A histocompatibility antigen, HLA-B27, is prevalent among patients with reactive arthritis and Reiter's syndrome. Histocompatibility antigens, present on all nucleated cells, are capable of activating immune reactions and their production is controlled by specialized genes called the major histocompatibility gene complex. Reactive arthritis occurring as an epidemic usually involves initial symptoms of gastroenteritis, inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, followed by a delay of five to 10 days before symptoms of reactive arthritis occur. Immune complexes, or elements of the body's natural defense system, may be detected in the circulation of patients with reactive arthritis. Although studies of reactive arthritis epidemics should provide a better understanding of the disease mechanisms, investigations are difficult because the epidemics often occur without warning and optimal approaches of study have not been established. Several recommendations for investigating various aspects of epidemic reactive arthritis are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Joints, Infection, Joints (Anatomy), Physiological aspects

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A quantitative method for detecting deposits of amyloid A protein in aspirated fat tissue of patients with arthritis

Article Abstract:

A monoclonal antibody test appears to be more sensitive than tissue staining in evaluating biopsy samples for amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Amyloid A protein, a byproduct of chronic inflammation, accumulates in the tissues and blood vessels of some patients with RA, and can lead to death in several years if the process is not arrested. Researchers extracted small volumes of abdominal fat from 24 patients with amyloidosis and 72 other patients to compare two diagnostic procedures. Amyloid concentrations were substantially higher in patients with RA and amyloidosis, and the antibody test was more sensitive at detecting minute deposits of amyloid. Antibody testing may permit earlier diagnosis of amyloidosis in RA patients.

Complications and side effects, Rheumatoid arthritis, Amyloidosis, Monoclonal antibodies

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A clinical and serological comparison of group A versus non-group A streptococcal reactive arthritis and throat culture negative cases of post-streptococcal reactive arthritis

Article Abstract:

The bacterium causing Infective arthritis following beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection may be identified by serological testing and clinical signs. If a throat culture does not identify a group A or non-group A streptococcus, the presence of hepatitis, erythema nodosum, and other signs and symptoms may indicate the probable organism.

Statistical Data Included, Streptococcal infections, Causes of, Arthritis, Infectious, Serology

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