Can Germs Prevent Arthritis?
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Looking for New Treatments
Does infection prevent arthritis or does it contribute to its cause? Many researchers say “yes” to both. Some say the role of infections may vary among different people, different diseases or even the point in life at which people get infections, but it appears sooner is better than later. The infections you have early in life – while your immune system is still developing – might protect you from autoimmune diseases that often starts in one’s 30s, says Sarvetnick. Exposure to infections later in life is probably more likely to trigger an autoimmune disease or, in people who already have autoimmune diseases, trigger disease flares.
Researchers may not yet fully understand or agree on the role, but most researchers do agree that a better understanding of the role of infection in autoimmune diseases could potentially lead to new treatments. Already, improved hygiene and the development and use of antibiotics have made rheumatic fever rare in this country, and for most people, antibiotic therapy is effective in preventing the arthritis and other problems caused by Lyme disease.
Dr. Pisetsky says the possibility exists that eliminating infections – preferably before they start – may one day improve the outlook for RA and other diseases. Jim O’Dell, MD, chief of the section of rheumatology and immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical in Omaha, agrees. “Ultimately when we understand what triggers arthritis, we could intervene much earlier or protect susceptible individuals with vaccination strategies or other preventive therapies from ever having that trigger,” says Dr. O’Dell, who has studied the use of a family of antibiotics called tetracyclines for RA.
What the News Means Now
Because germs are everywhere, there’s no way to avoid them completely – nor should we if we could. For now, the experts’ best advice is to practice common sense and a little frugality; wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your nose – either of which can allow germs on your skin to enter your body. But spare yourself the expense of antibacterial soaps, sprays, wipes, lotions and hand gels, which in theory could lead to treatment-resistant strains of bacteria.
Be mindful of germs, but don’t be overly concerned. Enjoy life and let your kids and grandkids do the same. “Send your kids outside to play,” says Sarvetnick. “Don’t let them be afraid to get dirty.”
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