Doctors have to deal with Reiter's disease quite often. The reason for this is the high incidence of urogenital infections. With untimely diagnosis and the absence of adequate therapy for chlamydia, various systemic lesions develop, which bring a lot of suffering to the patient.
What is Reiter's disease?
Reiter's syndrome is referred to as reactive arthritis. It is a complication of chlamydial infection, resulting in a triad of clinical symptoms: arthritis, urethritis, conjunctivitis. The combination of these complications with lesions of the skin and mucous membranes is considered Reiter's "tetrad". Doctors also call it urethrooculosinovial syndrome.
There are 6 main reasons for thinking about a timely visit to a doctor with a combination of urogenital and articular complaints:
The main factors contributing to the development of urethrooculosinovial syndrome are:
These properties ensure the development of autoimmune processes.
- A pronounced decrease in the protective properties and resistance of the patient's body, or an ineffective immune response.
- The presence of joint microtrauma.
Bacteria spread through the body in a hematogenous way, penetrating into the synovial membrane and multiplying in it by simple division.
The high survival rate of chlamydia is due to the ability to transition into intermediate forms that are very small in size. They are immune to aggressive environmental factors. Later they return to their original state.
The division of Reiter's syndrome (disease) is multifactorial, which allows you to choose a more effective therapy for each individual option. According to the duration of the development of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:
According to the degree of activity, they are divided into:
- I (low);
- II (medium);
- III (high);
- remission.
In the diagnosis of Reiter's disease, functional insufficiency of the affected joints (FNS) must be included:
- I - preservation of professional ability;
- II - only daily activity is saved;
- III - impossibility of self-service.
When formulating the final diagnosis, all of the above classifications are entered.
Clinical picture
Complaints of patients with the development of Reiter's syndrome against the background of chlamydial infection are:
Joint pain occurs a month after infection with chlamydia (rarely after a few days). A “ladder” version of the flow (bottom-up) with a spiral transition from one side to the other is characteristic.
With Reiter's disease, the joints of the following groups are affected:
- small joints of the feet;
- ankle;
- knee;
- iliosacral joints;
- spine.
The most frequent localization of the process is on the metatarsophalangeal joints of the big toe on the foot. Patients note the asymmetric nature of joint damage. The pains are permanent. For example, in the knee joint on the right leg and the ankle on the other.
Inflammation of the periarticular capsule often develops, which is manifested by redness and swelling of the skin over the affected area. Due to damage to the ligamentous apparatus, patients often develop flat feet - "gonorrheal foot". In severe cases of Reiter's disease, the spine and sacroiliac joints are affected. This is expressed in a pronounced limitation of movements and intense pain syndrome, which affect the patient's quality of life and his social activity.
In women with Reiter's syndrome, the following urogenital diseases are diagnosed:
- cervicitis;
- endometritis;
- vaginitis;
- salpingitis;
- salpingo-oophoritis.
Diagnostics and treatment
If Reiter's disease is suspected, the patient should visit:
- gynecologist or urologist;
- rheumatologist;
- ophthalmologist.
This disease is a combined pathology, and the final diagnosis is made by a rheumatologist based on all the data obtained.
Disease detection includes:
- questioning complaints from the patient;
- studying the history of the development of the disease;
- laboratory research;
- additional methods;
- objective examination of various specialists.
General laboratory methods are non-specific. Their results indicate an active inflammatory process. Their dynamic performance is of clinical importance to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. The gold "standard" of diagnosis for Reiter's disease is the detection of the causative agent of the disease from various materials: scrapings from the urethra or cervical canal, synovial fluid, blood.
The presence of chlamydia in the body is detected using:
Additional methods are prescribed:
- radiographs of the affected joints;
- if necessary, arthroscopy;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- MRI of the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Identification of chlamydia and damage to joints, eyes form the basis of a comprehensive diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome.
Treatment is complex and includes the appointment of the following groups of drugs:
The course of antibiotic therapy should be at least 2 weeks (at best, 28 days). This is due to the high survival rate of the pathogen. It is necessary to carry out antibiotic treatment and sexual partner. The drug, dose and duration of admission is prescribed by a gynecologist or urologist.
Control is carried out by repeating methods that identify the pathogen after the end of the course of antibiotic therapy. Articular syndrome treatment can take years. The rheumatologist will select a course of basic therapy to prevent the development of complications and reduce pain.
Reiter's syndrome with identified chlamydia is a related pathology. Despite the active development of medicine, the percentage of such patients is not decreasing. This is due to the frequent occurrence of chlamydial infection in young people and the frequent recurrence of the disease. A timely visit to a doctor will help prevent the development of a severe disease.
Chlamydial arthritis usually appears not as an independent disease, but as a complication. It is preceded by those caused by chlamydia.
general information
Chlamydial arthritis can appear if provoked by infection with chlamydia have been diagnosed:
- prostatitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- urethritis;
- pneumonia.
The causative agent of the disease is introduced into the cartilage of the joint, capsule or shell. This happens in 5-15% of all patients with chlamydial infections. The transmission of the disease occurs sexually, less often during operations, if poorly sterilized instruments were used.
Important features
Chlamydial arthritis often affects the stronger sex. If at first the infection was transferred, and only against its background did arthritis appear, it is customary to talk about a post-infectious disease. The development of complications is caused by the immune complex of the joint, which provokes inflammation.
In some cases, the pathology indicates Reiter's syndrome, when the pathogen affects several body systems at once or gradually. At the same time, they suffer:
- genitourinary organs;
- mucous membranes of the eyes;
- joints.
The syndrome is diagnosed in patients with chronic chlamydia.
How to notice
Chlamydial arthritis can be suspected by a number of symptoms that arise after the transfer of the previously listed diseases. Symptoms of the disease appear after one and a half, at least two months after the exacerbation of the primary disease.
As a rule, at the beginning, the inflammatory process proceeds in an acute form, tendons and joints are affected:
- between the phalanges;
- metatarsal;
- phalanx;
- metacarpophalangeal.
Classically reactive chlamydial arthritis is manifested by:
- stiffness of movements;
- swelling;
- joint pain;
- abnormal shade of the skin;
- high temperature.
If chlamydial arthritis has developed, the symptoms are also noticeable in the general condition of the body, which becomes worse:
- the temperature rises;
- tormented by weakness;
- the lymph nodes are enlarged;
- chills at times.
And if complications
Complications are a fairly common situation if chlamydial has been diagnosed. Treatment is selected based on the manifestations of the disease.
As a rule, complications are expressed in capsule phlegmon, infiltration of body tissues. In addition, there are cases when:
- becomes hypertrophied;
- bones, cartilage are affected by erosion;
- appear (fibrous, bone).
Varieties
The division into groups is based on how chlamydial arthritis manifests itself. Signs allow us to talk about:
- monoform, when only one joint is affected;
- oligoarthritis, when the process covers no more than three joints;
- polyform, when lesions are found on more than three joints.
Diagnosis
To determine exactly which chlamydial arthritis manifested itself in children and adults, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies. First of all, X-rays are taken to determine the presence of osteoporosis, which has affected the area near the joints. X-rays show if there are defects in the bones and what is the condition of the joint space.
To clarify the diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:
- podography;
- radionuclides;
- thermography.
If the patient has chlamydial, he has a high level of leukocytes. Analyzes show an increased rate of ESR.
Chlamydial arthritis: symptoms and treatment
The method of treatment is chosen based on the characteristics of a particular situation. In most cases, antibiotic therapy is used. They use drugs with a wide range of effects. Non-steroidal drugs have proven themselves well for inflammation.
If the disease is acute, joint immobilization should be provided. Drugs are most effectively administered to the affected area.
When the inflammation subsides, they practice physiotherapy exercises, regular gymnastics, physiotherapy:
- manual;
- ozone;
- phyto;
- balneological.
Be mindful of your health
Chlamydial arthritis is dangerous. Symptoms, types, treatment - this is the information that should be known to everyone, as the disease affects an increasing percentage of the population. In recent years, the frequency of cases known to medicine has been growing literally exponentially.
The defeat of the joints is characterized by specific inflammation and a kind of onset, dissimilar to other diseases. In a clinical study, the disease is easily diagnosed. If you suspect that you have arthritis caused by chlamydia, do not delay the visit to the doctor. The most effective treatment will be at the very beginning of the disease.
Features of the disease
At the very beginning of development, chlamydial arthritis is different:
- Step-by-step joint damage. Pathology usually first affects the joints from below (foot), from where it gradually moves upward, covering the legs, knees and beyond.
- The high rate of development of inflammation. It takes only a few days for the pathogen to penetrate several joints, provoking acute inflammation.
- Asymmetry, since manifestations usually occur only on one side of the body.
- A variety of manifestations (from four to six joints are involved in inflammation).
- Pain worse at night in morning.
If large joints of the lower extremities are inflamed, chlamydial arthritis should be suspected first. Treatment will be prescribed by a doctor, focusing on the characteristics of the disease and the volume of the affected area: ointments, injections.
be careful
Although rare, but still in some cases, the infection even affects the spine, upper limbs.
Chlamydial arthritis is characterized by reddening of the skin, an increase in temperature over the affected area.
In some cases, sacroiliitis is diagnosed when the joints located near the sacrum and in the iliac region are affected. In this case, the patient suffers from severe pain near the ischial tubercles.
Inflammation is not always limited to the joints. There are often cases when the lesions cover the tendons. The weakest part is the places where they attach to the bones. If there is inflammation of the tendons of the feet, small bones, dactylitis is diagnosed.
Associated symptoms
A number of manifestations of Reiter's disease are not recorded in all cases, however, quite often. It:
- Structural changes in nails, change in the color of the nail plate.
- Keratoderma, when the skin on the body becomes corneous with plaques. Usually manifests itself on the palms, soles.
- Overgrowth of lymph nodes. First of all, the increase occurs in the groin.
- Damage to the kidneys, heart, other systems and organs.
All symptoms are associated with autoimmune processes.
Don't delay going to the doctor
Practice shows that patients with chlamydial arthritis turn to doctors when the disease is already, as they say, "obvious", which greatly reduces the quality of life. The pain syndrome interferes, it is impossible to isolate oneself from constant discomfort, systemic physiological changes appear in the body.
At this stage, the treatment will take a long time and will be difficult. But if the cure was started in the early stages, it will go much easier and faster.
How is it treated
Chlamydial arthritis is eliminated in a complex manner. There are several phases. Medicines are taken in courses, exactly following the doctor's recommendations.
The course of treatment is chosen based on:
- form (acute, chronic, relapse, abated);
- difficulty level (easy, medium, hard, remission);
- origin;
- signs (all affected organs are taken into account).
The treatment regimen combines:
- antimicrobial drugs;
- anti-inflammatory drugs;
- agents stimulating immunity;
- pain relievers;
- non-steroidal drugs;
- physiotherapy exercises;
- lotions.
Gender addiction
Chlamydial arthritis is more common in men than women. The disease is diagnosed in an overwhelming percentage of cases in people who are sexually active, but in some cases it even affects children. The course of the disease and its treatment for men and women is practically the same.
The main difference in medical measures for chlamydial arthritis is the diagnostic stage. If in women to identify the disease it is necessary to take a smear from the vagina to determine the presence of pathogenic microflora, material from the urethra is taken from men.
Medicine knows cases of chlamydial arthritis affecting the elderly, children, adolescents. This is due to the abundance of methods of infection during an active social life. This is due to the fact that small colonies of chlamydia can live in a healthy human body. With a weakening of immunity, conditions become optimal for their reproduction, which leads first to urethritis or conjunctivitis, and then to arthritis.
Treatment features
It is unacceptable to try to cure chlamydial arthritis on your own. As a rule, self-medication leads not only to complications, but also to additional lesions of various systems and organs, including due to the incorrect choice of drugs. Usually, antibiotics are used, which cannot be used without medical supervision, since the effect on the body can be unpredictable.
Arthritis progresses very quickly, and attempts to cure it on our own only lead to a worsening of the situation.
The most typical complications for self-medication:
- carditis;
- blood clots;
- neuritis;
- conjunctivitis;
- urethritis.
Patients complain of a persistent feeling of fatigue and weakness. The launched process is accompanied by phlegmons and erosion.
Drug therapy
Chlamydial arthritis is treatable with broad spectrum antibiotics:
- Chloramphenicol.
- "Tetracycline"
- Azalid.
- "Macrolide".
- Rifampicin.
Choose a drug by analyzing:
- intracellular permeability;
- drug activity;
- toxicity;
- contraindications;
- features of the bacteria that provoked arthritis.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are chosen based on similar logic. Individual portability comes first.
Medication therapy includes:
- Ibuprofen.
- "Etodolac".
- Diclofenac.
- Tenoxicam.
ethnoscience
As an aid for regular drug therapy, the use of folk recipes is allowed. The choice of this or that prescription should be coordinated with the attending physician so that such drugs do not conflict with the prescribed tablets and injections.
The greatest effectiveness is shown by herbal medicine. Good effects are known:
- sage;
- calendula;
- decoction of birch buds;
- st. John's wort.
Other herbs that can fight inflammation can be used.
Physiotherapy should not be neglected. As a rule, it acts locally on the affected areas, eliminating the unpleasant manifestations of the disease. Treatment in sanatoriums and resorts gives good results. You can resort to the methods of magnetic therapy, ozone therapy, massage. An integrated approach allows you to eliminate the manifestations of the disease and prevent their occurrence in the future.
Chlamydia microorganisms affect not only the genitourinary organs, but also other body systems. Joint pain with chlamydia appears in the lower and upper extremities, lumbar region. Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact. Chlamydia infection also provokes arthrosis - dangerous diseases that have serious consequences. Therefore, you should consult a doctor promptly and start treatment.
How does chlamydia affect joints?
Chlamydial damage to the joints is aseptic, that is, not causing suppuration and necrosis. Microorganisms do not invade the mobile joint, but contribute to the formation of an autoimmune process, in which bones, articular sac, connective tissues and cartilage of the bone joints are destroyed.
Pathogenesis of articular chlamydia
When chlamydia enters the human body, a specific gene is activated that produces a specific protein. Such a substance promotes the attachment of the microorganism. In addition, human protein is structurally similar to the protein substance of bacteria. As a result, the human immune system attacks not only bacteria, but also healthy joint tissues.
Chlamydia, like Trichomonas, enters the human body mainly through sexual contact. Much less often, you can get infected by contact-household method or when swimming in a polluted reservoir. First, the pathogenic bacterium invades the walls of the pelvic organs, causing inflammation of the genitourinary system. Then, with the blood stream, it is carried throughout the body. manifests itself 1-1.5 months after the onset of urethritis and proceeds in an acute, protracted or chronic form. Most often, chlamydia affects the ankle, hip, elbow and knee joints. In some cases, manifestations of chlamydial arthrosis or arthritis appear several years later.
Symptoms of chlamydial joint damage
When such an infection is affected, the ankle joint begins to hurt first. In the acute form, signs of articular chlamydia, as in trichomoniasis, may be accompanied by disorders of the genitourinary system. At the initial stage of the disease, the knees are also strong, then the disease spreads to all mobile joints. Due to the defeat of the tendons of the foot, flat feet occur. The main signs of chlamydia of the musculoskeletal system are as follows:
- redness and swelling of the skin at the site of the affected joint;
- inflammation mainly on one side of the body;
- severe pain, independent of the state of rest;
- stiffness of movement in the morning;
- the phalanges of the limbs swell (become like sausages);
- the appearance of rashes on the skin;
- temperature increase;
- local soreness in the heel, Achilles tendon and lower back.
Diagnostic measures
You can identify the pathogen using enzyme immunoassay. To establish the link between "chlamydia and joints", you should consult several specialists: urologist (men), gynecologist (women) and rheumatologist. In order to identify chlamydia, the following laboratory tests are prescribed:
- urine and blood tests;
- ELISA (enzyme immunoassay);
- research by PCR (polymerase chain reaction);
- bacterial culture from the urethra;
- method of direct immunofluorescence.
If chlamydia affects the joints, then the following procedures are additionally prescribed:
- arthroscopy;
- radiography of the affected mobile joints;
- MRI or CT.
Chlamydial arthritis is an acute autoimmune disorder of the peripheral joints that occurs after a patient becomes infected with Clamidia trachomatis. Urogenic arthritis is part of the triad of Reiter's disease (or Fissenzhe-Leroy-Reiter syndrome) - a combined lesion of the genitourinary organs in the form of nonspecific urethroprostatitis, inflammation of the eyes and joints.
It should be noted that the simultaneous combination of all three syndromes is classic and rare. Most often they occur sequentially, at significant intervals (the so-called "incomplete" form of the disease).
The disease is more common in men and women of sexually active age (20-40 years), although cases have been described in children, adolescents, and the elderly.
In addition to chlamydia, the disease can be caused by:
- ureaplasma;
- mycoplasma;
- clostridia;
- borrelia;
- streptococci;
- intestinal infection (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Yersinia, Shigella);
- some viruses.
The appearance of this disease does not mean at all that chlamydia has penetrated into the joint. The disease refers to "sterile" arthritis, when bacteria or viruses are not found in the joint cavity. The reason for the appearance of pathology lies much deeper.
Our immune system sometimes confuses the body's own cells with pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, the receptors on the chlamydial membrane and on the articular surfaces of the bones are very similar. Microorganisms play the role of a trigger mechanism of the disease, therefore, under certain conditions (thymoma, excessive immune function), immune cells can become entangled, and an autoimmune process occurs. Antibodies interact with antigens, circulating immune complexes are formed that damage their own tissues.
Usually, arthritis occurs in 4% of patients with chlamydia. Even if the patient is completely cured of chlamydia, the urogenital manifestations of the disease will disappear, but arthritis will flourish without special treatment.
In the development of the disease, 2 successive stages can be distinguished:
- infectious toxic - clinically manifested by urethritis, characterized by the acquaintance of immune cells with chlamydia;
- autoimmune - the formation of autoantibodies occurs, which damage the synovial membrane of the joint.
Classification of urogenic reactive arthritis
With the flow:
- acute - the active phase of the disease lasts up to 3 months;
- protracted - up to 1 year;
- chronic - over 1 year;
- recurrent - attacks of the immune system occur every six months.
By the degree of activity:
- low;
- medium;
- high;
- remission.
By the degree of functional joint failure (FNS):
- professional ability is preserved;
- professional ability is impaired;
- professional ability has been lost.
How does Reiter's disease manifest?
Arthritis is the main manifestation of the disease and occurs approximately 1-3 months after the onset of urethritis. The preferred joints for the disease are peripheral:
- knee;
- ankle;
- small joints of hands and feet;
- shoulder;
- temporomandibular.
Usually 1 (monoarthritis) or 2 (oligoarthritis) joints are affected. If the disease is not treated, the inflammatory process can spread to a large number of joints (polyarthritis). The inflammation is predominantly unilateral (asymmetric).
Small joints are characterized by the development of dactylitis ("sausage-like" finger deflection).
Urogenic arthritis usually begins acutely, the joint quickly swells, increases in size, the skin over it is hyperemic. The patient's condition progressively worsens, there is a fever, chills, general weakness, deterioration in appetite, increased fatigue.
Spondylitis (inflammation of the vertebrae) occurs in 40% of cases, clinically manifests itself as back pain during exercise and at rest.
The muscles surrounding the joint are reduced in volume, up to complete atrophy. In addition to muscle mass, the pathological process involves: bursa (bursitis), tendons (tendinitis), muscle fascia (fasciitis), periosteum (periostitis). Over time, patients have difficulty walking, lameness and flat feet appear. In some cases, patients complain of "" (enthesitis).
Systemic manifestations of Reiter's disease
Urethritis usually occurs 7-30 days after intercourse. It proceeds with little or no symptoms, most often patients do not have cuts during urination or profuse discharge. Patients may not be bothered by anything, occasionally there are scanty mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the urethra, itching, urge to urinate, hyperemia around the external opening of the urethra.
Acute cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis occur in 30% of cases. They are manifested by dysuric disorders (burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate), the appearance of white blood cells in the urine (leukocyturia), protein (proteinuria), and a small amount of blood (microhematuria).
The defeat of the skin and mucous membranes manifests itself in the form of painless erosions and ulcers (aphthous stomatitis), keratoderma (the appearance of plaques on the skin, similar to psoriatic ones), nail dystrophy, balanitis and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin).
Eye changes include conjunctivitis, episcleritis, uveitis, iridocyclitis.
Damage to the nervous system causes radiculitis, peripheral polyneuropathy, encephalopathy.
How to identify urogenital reactive arthritis?
| Method name | What is discovered |
|---|---|
| General blood analysis | - leukocytosis (increase in the number of leukocytes) with a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left; - thrombocytosis (increased platelets); - increased ESR; - anemia (decrease in the number of red blood cells) |
| General urine analysis | - increased urine density; - proteinuria (the appearance of protein in it); - leukocyturia (release of leukocytes); - microhematuria (erythrocyte secretion) |
| Blood chemistry | The appearance of proteins of the acute phase of inflammation (C-reactive protein, seromucoid, sialic acids), the absence of rheumatoid factor, an increase in the level of α2-globulins |
| Microscopic examination of synovial fluid | - low viscosity; - the liquid is cloudy; - poor formation of a mucin clot; - an increase in the number of leukocytes (more than 7 thousand / mm3), 70% of them are neutrophils; - increased protein content; - bacteria or their remnants are not detected |
| Urethral or cervical swab | Clamidia trachomatis detection |
| Serological methods (reaction of direct and indirect hemagglutination, immunofluorescence) | Detection of antibodies (Ig G, Ig M) in blood and synovial fluid to Clamidia trachomatis |
| PCR | DNA and RNA of microorganisms are detected in blood and synovial fluid |
| Joint X-ray | Narrowing of the inter-articular gap, the appearance of osteophytes, a decrease in bone density (), erosive and destructive changes |
| Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography | Methods are more informative than radiography, show the state of periarticular soft tissues and bones |
| Arthroscopy | The essence of the study is the introduction of a special endoscope into the joint cavity, which allows you to see the changes in the articular membranes with your own eyes and perform their biopsy. |
| Study of the patient's genes | Detection of histocompatibility antigen of the HLA-B27 system (in 80% of patients) |
Treatment of Reiter's disease
In order for the treatment to make sense, it is necessary to check all the patient's sexual partners and, if an infection is found, offer them to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy.
Antibacterial treatment:
- macrolides of 2-3 generations - "Azithromycin" - 1 g on the first day, then 0.5 g 1 r / day for a week;
- tetracyclines - "Doxycycline hydrochloride" - 100 mg 3r / day;
- fluoroquinolones of 2-3 generations - "Levofloxacin" - 400 mg 2p / day or "Ofloxacin" - 200 mg 3p / day or "Ciprofloxacin" - 500 mg 2p / day for 5-7 days.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce inflammation. The main representatives of this group are: sodium diclofenac ("Ortofen", "Naklofen"), nimesulide ("Nimesil", "Nise"), ibuprofen ("Ibuprom", "Nurofen"), piroxicam ("Revmoxicam"), celecoxib ( "Celebrex").
These drugs can be used for external use (in the form of ointments, gels), injections (intramuscularly and intraarticularly), oral administration (tablets, powders, pills) or rectally (rectal suppositories).
Conjunctivitis therapy includes the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops (Sofradex, Normax, Floxal) and eye ointments.
Treatment of skin lesions is carried out with ointments with glucocorticosteroids (hydrocortisone ointment, "Elokom"). In case of erosive processes in the mouth, rinses with a solution of furacilin, potassium permanganate, sodium bicarbonate, and chamomile decoction are used.
Modern research is studying the role of biological agents (specially bred by means of genetic engineering microorganisms) for the treatment of advanced cases of urogenital. These include TNF-α inhibitors (Infliximab, Etanercept, Anakinra).
The most complete answers to questions on the topic: "How does chlamydia affect the joints?"
due to the prevalence of such a disease as chlamydia, nowadays few people have not heard of it. But most often everyone has heard about the urogenital form of the disease, and few people know about the existence of the effect of chlamydia on other organs.
Today we will look at an important topic: chlamydia and joints.
How does chlamydia affect the joints?
If untimely detection and treatment, the disease can go into a chronic stage, and spread to others in the body, leading to various diseases. Therefore, the effect on the joints can be only when the infection is advanced. Knee joints, joints of hands and feet, joints of fingers are affected.
Where is the connection?
There is a significant connection between chlamydia and joints, most often joint damage occurs in the form of complications of the underlying disease (urogenital chlamydia).
Often, the disease is asymptomatic, but sometimes there are periodic mild pain in the joints, which a person may not pay attention to. Along with these symptoms, there are other more obvious symptoms that can push a person to the idea of \u200b\u200bvisiting a doctor, which helps to quickly identify the disease.
But in practice, there were cases when symptoms only lingered in the joints. Given such mild symptoms, a person basically attributes this to everyday stress, and does not suspect something more serious. Even with examination, doctors can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, which is treated differently.
Given such moments, it is necessary to periodically undergo an examination in order to be tested for infections.
Disease development
This infection affects: cartilage, bones, joint capsule and adjacent tissues (muscles, ligaments). There is a deterioration in immunity, in which antibodies appear in the blood (an antigen-antibody complex is created) to chlamydia and tropic articular tissues. These antigens perceive the tissues of their own joints as foreign and attack them, destroying their integrity.
Arthritis occurs last, a few weeks after the disease. The most common development is the manifestation of a systemic lesion of the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis), urethra (urethritis) and joints (reactive arthritis), which is known as Reiter's syndrome.
Chlamydia and arthritis diagnostics
Even if joint diseases and chlamydial infection may not always be associated, nevertheless, if arthritis is suspected, it is necessary to undergo a proper examination.
Diagnosis of arthritis
- Clinical blood test - leukocytes increase, platelets increase, signs of anemia appear.
- Urinalysis - an increase in the number of leukocytes, the presence of protein and / or erythrocytes.
- A biochemical blood test is the presence of C-reactive protein, in which rheumatoid arthritis should not be present.
- X-ray of the joints - the picture corresponds to osteoporosis, there is a narrowing of the gap.
- Ultrasound examination of articular surfaces and adjacent tissues.
- CT and MRI - detects any damage to the bones and joints.
- Puncture of the joint with the study of the resulting fluid - a change in color, an increase in leukocytes, the presence of protein.
- Endoscopic examination with biopsy.
- Genetic research to identify the relationship of a specific gene with reactive arthritis in chlamydia.
It is also necessary to cross-diagnose between reactive arthritis and others.
Reiter's signs
This syndrome is worth considering separately. It includes damage to several parts of the body at once: the eyes, urethra and joints. Reuters cannot exist without any of these departments, it is accompanied only by this triad.
It is more common in men than in women. Many experts believe that Reiter's syndrome can be hereditary, since a connection has been identified between the syndrome and hereditary factors.
Development occurs during the incubation period of the underlying disease. With the standard direction of development, the syndrome manifests itself with certain symptoms:
- Back pain.
- Knee and heel pain.
- Cyanosis or redness of the skin.
- An increase in temperature in the area of \u200b\u200binflammation.
- Change in the shape of the toes.
- Amyotrophy.
- Inflammation of the genitourinary system.
- Itching and burning in the urethra.
- Pain when urinating.
- Purulent discharge from the eyes.
- Redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
In the presence of such symptoms, the disease is easier to identify. But as we have already said, the disease is asymptomatic, which often complicates the diagnosis. And even doctors can make a different diagnosis and prescribe ineffective treatment.