8. A previous infection
An infection’s impact on the immune system may trigger RA. According to 2013 research, an infection may have this effect if:
- Part of the immune system loses its ability to handle certain microbes, such as bacteria or viruses.
- The infection triggers the production of new antigens, causing the immune system to become overactive.
- The immune system’s response to the infection also attacks some of the body’s functions, in a process called “bystander activation.”
Which infections may contribute to RA?
Some people develop signs of some kinds of arthritis within 4 weeks of experiencing a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection. Some research indicates that the following infections, in particular, may contribute to RA:
- a urinary tract infection with Proteus mirabilis bacteria
- an infection with the Epstein–Barr virus
- an infection with bacteria in the Mycoplasma genus
- some types of gum disease
Gum disease may be twice as common in people with RA than in those without the condition. This does not necessarily mean that having gum disease increases the risk of developing RA, however. Other factors may need to be present to trigger arthritis.
Other pathogens that might trigger arthritis or cause symptoms similar to those of RA include:
- HIV
- parvovirus
- hepatitis viruses B and C
- alphaviruses, such as chikungunya
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