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Mycoplasmal Arthritis

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Infections and the Rheumatic Diseases

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Abstract

Mycoplasmas are free-living microorganisms that belong to the Mollicutes class (cell wall–free bacteria), ubiquitous, and primarily commensals residing on mucosal surfaces as part of microbiomes of healthy people, but sometimes they may produce diseases in the respiratory, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal systems. These microorganisms may be pathogenic agents in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Septic arthritis and reactive arthritis associated with these microorganisms have been described. The clinical manifestations are acute, and the articular pattern can be monoarthritis or polyarthritis. Diagnosis is made with the use of laboratory tests such as serology, culture in special medium, and molecular technology (PCR). Macrolides and related antibiotics are therapies of first choice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Hospital Central de la Fuerza Aérea, Lima, Peru

    Luis E. Vega

  2. LSU Health Sciences at New Orleans, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Luis R. Espinoza

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  1. Luis E. Vega
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  1. LSU Health Sciences at New Orleans, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Luis R. Espinoza

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Vega, L.E., Espinoza, L.R. (2019). Mycoplasmal Arthritis. In: Espinoza, L. (eds) Infections and the Rheumatic Diseases. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23311-2_27

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