Chlamydia -Induced Reactive Arthritis: Disappearing Entity or Lack of Research?

Chlamydia -Induced Reactive Arthritis: Disappearing Entity or Lack of Research?:

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent studies regarding the frequency of Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis (ReA) are reviewed, with a focus on the question of whether the entity is in fact disappearing or whether it is simply being underdiagnosed/underreported. Epidemiological reports indicate diversity in the frequency of Chlamydia-associated ReA in various parts of the world, with evidence of declining incidence in some regions.

Recent Findings

The hypothesis that early effective treatment with antibiotics prevents the manifestation of Chlamydia-associated ReA requires further investigation.

Summary

For clinicians, it is important to remember that ReA secondary to Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) serovars L1–L3 of C. trachomatis is probably underestimated due to a limited awareness of this condition, the re-emergence in Western countries of LGV overall, and the present increasingly rare classical inguinal presentation.