Scientists have long suspected a “connection” between arthritis and chlamydia. Studies showed chlamydia caused an inflammatory reaction in synovial fluid; and chlamydia pneumonia, chlamydia trachoma, and chlamydia psittacosis have been found in arthritic joints. Researchers found chlamydia pneumonia and chlamydia trachoma, in fluid from arthritic knees; and the chlamydia trachoma was both viable and metabolically active. Ocular trachoma was suggested as even more likely to cause arthritis. Chlamydia pneumonia and chlamydia trachoma were reported to cause undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Chlamydia psittacosis was suggested as a cause of temporomandibular joint pain. Studies have identified mycoplasma and pseudomonas, in arthritic joints; and feline mycoplasma was reported to cause sudden onset arthritis.
Chronic infection, with a variety of immortal pathogens, alone or in combination, cause inflammatory arthritis. The infectious burden and the length of time the infection persisted may impact the onset, development, and severity of arthritis. Diagnosis of immortal pathogens in patients with inflammatory arthritis will assist in understanding the disease, and formulating more comprehensive treatment plans, for the benefit of patients.
Carter J, et al. 2009. Chlamydiae as Ethologic Agents in Chronic Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. May 2009. 60(5):1311-6. Doi: 10.1002/art.24431.
