Definition This condition involves arthritis, or the inflammation of a joint, caused by a virus.
What is going on in the body? A virus can affect a joint in 2 ways. A virus can directly infect a joint by invading its inside lining called the synovium. The virus can also cause a body-wide immune system response, which can cause joint swelling and pain. In this case, the person's immune system actually attacks the joints, not the virus itself.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? General symptoms include joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. Specific symptoms depend on the type of virus causing the infection. For example, someone with hepatitis B may develop abdominal distress, nausea, and jaundice, which is a yellowish discolouration of the eyes and skin.
What are the causes and risks of the condition? Common causes of viral arthritis include:
German measles, which is an infection caused by the rubella virus
Other causes are also possible, though less common.
What can be done to prevent the condition? There is little that can be done to avoid viral arthritis, except to avoid exposure to viruses when possible. Immunisations are available against rubella, mumps, and hepatitis B. However, the rubella vaccine can actually cause this condition, as the vaccine contains a live, weakened form of the virus.
How is the condition diagnosed? A person with viral arthritis will complain of joint swelling that occurs shortly after an infection caused by a virus. Alternatively, a person may have joint symptoms after getting a vaccine against a virus. Blood tests for these viruses can often confirm that the joint swelling and pain are caused by the infection.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? Chronic inflammation of the joint lining, known as synovitis, can develop in people who have chronic active hepatitis. In other cases, the arthritis tends to resolve on its own, but this process may take months or even years. Other long-term effects are related to the underlying cause. For example, long-term hepatitis B infection can result in serious liver damage, liver cancer, or even death in some cases.
What are the risks to others? The viruses that can cause viral arthritis are contagious and may be passed to others. The viral arthritis itself is not contagious.
What are the treatments for the condition? Treatment usually includes aspirin or other analgesics to help with the joint pain and inflammation. This is all the treatment most people need.
Immunoglobulins may also rarely be given. These are antibodies collected from other people's blood that help fight infections. This treatment is only used for certain, severe cases.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Immunoglobulins are collected from human blood. Because of this, it is possible, although rare, that this treatment may cause an infection in the person receiving it. In some people, aspirin may cause an allergic reaction, stomach irritation, or bleeding. Other specific side effects depend on the analgesia used.
What happens after treatment for the condition? A person may have joint swelling and pain that lasts for a long time, although this is rare. Once a person feels better, no further treatment is usually needed.
How is the condition monitored? A doctor will follow a person until the symptoms go away. Further monitoring may be needed for the underlying infection, such as repeat blood tests or physical examinations. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: John A.K. Davies, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
