Biomaterial Database

Mycoplasmas and 'diphtheroids' in rheumatoid arthritis. 1975

S M Stewart, and W H McBride

The failure to isolate conventional mycoplasmas from 88 synovial membranes and 119 synovial fluids from patients with proven rheumatoid arthritis using a variety of culture media and techniques agrees with the results of recent workers and suggests that these organisms are unlikely to play a role in the aetiology of the disease. In contrast, 'diphtheroid' organisms were isolated from 27 to 30% of rheumatoid specimens, but not from cultures of non-rheumatoid material. A significantly higher incidence of raised agglutination titres to C. acnes and to a 'diptheroid' isolated from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis in sera from patients with rheumatoid arthritis supports the conclusion that these organisms are present in the joints in such patients, though their role in this disease has yet to be established.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009174	Mycoplasma	A genus of gram-negative, mostly facultatively anaerobic bacteria in the family MYCOPLASMATACEAE. The cells are bounded by a PLASMA MEMBRANE and lack a true CELL WALL. Its organisms are pathogens found on the MUCOUS MEMBRANES of humans, ANIMALS, and BIRDS.	Eperythrozoon,Haemobartonella,Mycoplasma putrefaciens,PPLO,Pleuropneumonia-Like Organisms,Pleuropneumonia Like Organisms
D011425	Propionibacterium acnes	A bacteria isolated from normal skin, intestinal contents, wounds, blood, pus, and soft tissue abscesses. It is a common contaminant of clinical specimens, presumably from the skin of patients or attendants.	Corynebacterium acnes,Corynebacterium parvum
D003352	Corynebacterium	A genus of asporogenous bacteria that is widely distributed in nature. Its organisms appear as straight to slightly curved rods and are known to be human and animal parasites and pathogens.
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000372	Agglutination Tests	Tests that are dependent on the clumping of cells, microorganisms, or particles when mixed with specific antiserum. (From Stedman, 26th ed)	Agglutination Test,Test, Agglutination,Tests, Agglutination
D001172	Arthritis, Rheumatoid	A chronic systemic disease, primarily of the joints, marked by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. Etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been implicated.	Rheumatoid Arthritis
D013210	Staphylococcus	A genus of gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, coccoid bacteria. Its organisms occur singly, in pairs, and in tetrads and characteristically divide in more than one plane to form irregular clusters. Natural populations of Staphylococcus are found on the skin and mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. Some species are opportunistic pathogens of humans and animals.
D013582	Synovial Fluid	The clear, viscous fluid secreted by the SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE. It contains mucin, albumin, fat, and mineral salts and serves to lubricate joints.	Synovia,Fluid, Synovial,Fluids, Synovial,Synovial Fluids
D013583	Synovial Membrane	The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. It is loosely attached to the external fibrous capsule and secretes SYNOVIAL FLUID.	Synovium,Membrana Synovialis Capsulae Articularis,Membrane, Synovial,Membranes, Synovial,Synovial Membranes