In reactive arthritis, which measure may be used to treat the triggering infection?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Antivirals
• C. Antifungals
• D. Immunoglobulin therapy

Answer: (A)

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory reaction that follows a preceding infection, often in the gut or genitourinary tract. The arthritis itself isn’t caused by the ongoing infection in the joint, but by an immune response triggered by that infection. If the triggering infection is still active, treating it with antibiotics is the appropriate step because it targets the source of the inflammatory trigger, potentially reducing ongoing immune stimulation and helping prevent further transmission. For example, if Chlamydia trachomatis is involved, antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin are used, and partners may need to be treated to prevent reinfection. Antivirals or antifungals would be aimed at viral or fungal infections and aren’t the right approach for the typical bacterial triggers of reactive arthritis. Immunoglobulin therapy doesn’t address the underlying source of the trigger and isn’t standard treatment for this condition. If the triggering infection has already resolved, antibiotics won’t reverse the joint symptoms, which are then managed with anti-inflammatory strategies.