Reactive arthritis

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

Genetic factors appear to play a role in whether you're likely to develop reactive arthritis. Though you can't change your genetic makeup, you can reduce your exposure to the bacteria that may lead to reactive arthritis.

Make sure your food is stored at proper temperatures and is cooked properly. These steps can help you to avoid the many food-borne bacteria that can cause reactive arthritis, including salmonella, shigella, yersinia and campylobacter.

In addition, practice safe sex because preventing sexually transmitted diseases may lower your risk of developing reactive arthritis.

References
  1. Reiter's syndrome and reactive arthritis. In: Noble J, et al. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/114024667-3/784198713/959/880.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-00828-3..50142-4--cesec10_4248. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
  2. Yu DT. Reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter syndrome). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
  3. Questions and answers about reactive arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Reactive_Arthritis/default.asp. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
  4. Leirisalo-Repo M, et al. Reactive arthritis. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/114235812-3/784844632/1807/526.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3285-4..10071-3--s0160_2594. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  5. Septic arthritis. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/septic.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
  6. Questions and answers about gout. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Gout/default.asp. Dec. 19, 2008.

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March 24, 2009

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