Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis are definied as steriles arthropathies using classic bacteriological techniques. They are due to extra articular infection and are often associated with HLA B27. The outcome of these arthritis is characterised by the recurrence of flares with sometimes appearition of ankylosing spondylitis. The pathogenesis of reactive arthritis is modified when bacterial antigens or alive micro-organisms are discovered in involved joints. Several current works have underlined the interest of antibiotic therapy in the chlamydial reactive arthritis. Chronic forms can justify the use of anti-rheumatic drugs such as salazopyrine.