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Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to Proteus—the evidence

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritic and potentially disabling condition, mainly affecting women of middle age and having characteristic clinical features. Various microbial agents were implicated in the causation of RA. Extensive literature based on the results of various genetic, microbiological, molecular, and immunological studies carried out by independent research groups supports the role of Proteus mirabilis bacteria in the etiopathogenesis of RA. New diagnostic markers and criteria and the use of a novel therapeutic protocol in the form of antibiotic and dietary measures are suggested to be used together with current treatments in the management of RA. Prospective longitudinal studies with the use of antimicrobial measures in patients with RA are required to establish the therapeutic benefit of this microbe–disease association.

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Acknowledgement

We thank the Trustees of the Middlesex Hospital, the Arthritis Research Campaign (grant no. EO514) and “American Friends of King’s College London” for their support.

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  1. School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King’s College London, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NN, UK

    Taha Rashid & Alan Ebringer

  2. Department of Rheumatology, Middlesex Hospital, University College London, London, UK

    Alan Ebringer

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  1. Taha Rashid
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Correspondence to Alan Ebringer.

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Rashid, T., Ebringer, A. Rheumatoid arthritis is linked to Proteus—the evidence. Clin Rheumatol 26, 1036–1043 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-006-0491-z

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