Viral arthritis

Abstract

Acute-onset arthritis is a common clinical problem facing both the general clinician and the rheumatologist. A viral aetiology is though to be responsible for approximately 1% of all cases of acute arthritis with a wide range of causal agents recognised. The epidemiology of acute viral arthritis continues to evolve, with some aetiologies, such as rubella, becoming less common due to vaccination, while some vector-borne viruses have become more widespread. A travel history therefore forms an important part of the assessment of patients presenting with an acute arthritis. Worldwide, parvovirus B19, hepatitis B and C, HIV and the alphaviruses are among the most important causes of virally mediated arthritis. Targeted serological testing may be of value in establishing a diagnosis, and clinicians must also be aware that low-titre autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody, can occur in the context of acute viral arthritis. A careful consideration of epidemiological, clinical and serological features is therefore required to guide clinicians in making diagnostic and treatment decisions. While most virally mediated arthritides are self-limiting some warrant the initiation of specific antiviral therapy.

The anti-viral facet of anti-rheumatic drugs: Lessons from COVID-19

“…Current evidence supports MTX as a potential treatment of viruses mediated arthritis, specifically Parvovirus B19, HBV, HCV, and HIV [185]. Studies documented that pro-inflammatory mediators were markedly decreased after MTX treatment in virus-induced arthritis [186].…”

Synovitis in Osteoarthritic Patients: Morphological and Virological Evidence of its Contribution to Development of the Disease

“…Furthermore, viruses were recognised among inflammation inducers and factors contributing to OA relapsing nature (Rollín et al, 2007). Previous studies have demonstrated that B19V, hepatitis B and C as well as HIV are among the most common causal agents of virus-mediated arthritis worldwide (Marks et al, 2016). Furthermore, despite the fact that most virus-mediated arthritides are self-limiting, these often require careful consideration of virological, clinical, laboratory and other features to guide physicians in making diagnostic and treatment decisions.…”

Frequency and Etiology of Viral Arthropathies in West African Patients

“…It is more common in cases of infringement by alphavirus [7] Establishing a definitive diagnosis of viral arthritis is difficult, and often not very useful because no therapeutic impact. It is directly dependent on the demonstration of the infectious agent or at least a specific immune response [10] [11] [13]- [19].…”