Rheumatology Advance Access originally published online on April 6, 2005
Rheumatology 2005 44(7):912-914; doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keh630
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Relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and Mycoplasma pneumoniae: a case–control study
Unit of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, 1 Department of Histology and Pathology, 2 Mathematics Department, University of Las Palmas, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 3 Rheumatology Section and 4 Investigation Unit, Hospital Insular de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Correspondence to: A. S. Ramírez, Unit of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de G.C., Trasmontaña s/n, Arucas 35416, Las Palmas, Spain. E-mail: aramirez{at}dpat.ulpgc.es
| Abstract |
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Objective. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has a complex and multifactorial aetiology. Infectious agents could start this disease. The majority of the characteristics of this infirmity can be observed in chronic arthritis produced by mycoplasmas in animals. In this study the association between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and RA has been evaluated.
Methods. A case–control study was performed. Sera taken from 78 RA patients and from 156 controls were analysed to ascertain the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) against M. pneumoniae. Other variables, like age, gender, work status, history of pneumonia, etc., were recorded in a questionnaire.
Results. The presence of antibodies against M. pneumoniae was associated with RA (odds ratio=2.34, P<0.001).
Conclusions. The results suggest that M. pneumoniae could be a cofactor in the pathogenesis of RA; however, more studies need to be done.
KEY WORDS: Case–control studies, Rheumatoid arthritis, Mollicutes, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, ELISA
Submitted 14 June 2004;
revised version accepted 1 March 2005.
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