Viral Arthritis
Alternate Names : Virus-Induced Arthritis
Viral arthritis is joint inflammation caused by a virus.
What is going on in the body?
A virus can affect a joint in two ways. A virus can directly infect a joint by invading its inside lining, called the synovium. The virus can also cause a bodywide immune system response, which can cause joint swelling and pain. In this case, the joint is attacked by the immune system, rather than the virus.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Common causes of viral arthritis include:
German measles, which is an infection caused by the rubella virus
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
infection with hepatitis B
infection with human parvovirus, which causes fifth disease
mumps
some vaccinations, such as the MMR immunization
Other causes are also possible, though less common.
|