[Role of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in aetiopathogenesis of juvenile idiopatic arthritis].
Although more and more is known about chronic autoimmune diseases, attempts to establish one trigger factor have been unsuccessful. The role of endogenic factors is beyond doubt. But it is emphasized that environmental factors are necessary to cause the disease. Infections are taken under consideration as trigger mechanism in the development of autoimmune diseases including chronic arthritis. Both numerous viruses and bacteria are among the microorganism mentioned. We considered it sensible to conduct research on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in a group of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).


METHODS
19 patients diagnosed with JIA aged between 6-17 were investigated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection whose blood was examined for antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in class IgG and IgM. The control group comprised 20 children of similar age admitted to hospital with digestive tract complaints.


METHODS
Serologic tests were made in serum. Marking of antigens of class IgM and IgG were made by Elisa method using commercial kits produced by Scientific Point. Quantitative calculations of a level of antigens were done using appropriate standards, positive and negative serum of reference standard and calibration curve.


RESULTS
In 11 patients positive reaction for Mycoplasma pneumoniae in class IgG was observed and only in 2 in class IgM with low titer. In the control group positive reaction was observed in 3 children (15%). The fact that 58% of patients were infected (contact either with Mycoplasma pneumoniae) indicates that in the group of our patients with JIA, infections with these bacteria might have had a role in triggering the disease.
Postepski
Jacek
J
Dzieciecy Szpital Kliniczny, ul. Chodzki 2, 20-092 Lublin, Poland.
Opoka-Winiarska
Violetta
V
Kozioł-Montewka
Maria
M
Korobowicz
Agnieszka
A
Tuszkiewicz-Misztal
Ewa
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000276:immunology*; D011019:Pneumonia, Mycoplasma / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D015415:Biomarkers; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M