What foodborne pathogens cause Reiter’s Syndrome / Reactive Arthritis?
Reactive arthritis can occur from many different bacterial infections, but is more likely to occur in instances of infection in the intestines and urinary tract. Both of these systems are highly susceptible to certain foodborne illnesses. Salmonella has been linked to Reiter’s syndrome and reactive arthritis as has Shigella, Yersina and Campylobacter. These foodborne pathogens attack the lining of the intestines and also have a propensity to cause urinary tract infections.
Food pathogens can cause Reiter’s Syndrome but seldom does. This is because an infection usually needs to be in your body for over two weeks before arthritis symptoms begin. Most food pathogens do not cause an infection that last long enough to cause arthritis. Most infections that cause arthritis are from sexually transmitted diseases. Any infection that stays in your body for a significant period of time can also cause arthritis. Uninary tract and bladder infections are a common cause of Reiter;s syndrome.
