Mojca Jarc Sojč

WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY

World Arthritis Day is a global awareness day aimed at increasing understanding of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases within the population.

Arthritis involves the inflammation of one or more joints. Common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Causes may include infection, metabolic disorders, genetic factors, inappropriate immune system responses, injuries, and more.

The symptoms and signs of the disease depend on the type of arthritis. They may include joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, inflammation in one or more joints, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the affected joint area, as well as general weakness, among others.

In cases of joint inflammation, it is important to correctly and promptly identify septic arthritis, which occurs due to the infection of a joint by microorganisms. The most common cause of septic arthritis is bacteria, and untreated inflammation can lead to complete destruction of the joint and permanent consequences for the individual.

Septic arthritis often affects patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as those who have undergone joint surgeries, individuals with comorbidities, and it is also common in small children up to three years of age.

At Mikro+Polo, we recognize how crucial rapid diagnosis is in the treatment of septic arthritis. For over 30 years, we have collaborated with bioMérieux and utilized their Joint Infection panel, which allows for the identification of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in approximately one hour.