Anti-proteus antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Antibodies [Abs] to Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia Coli in 14 active rheumatoid arthritis [RA], 16 inactive RA and 20 healthy controls were measured using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The mean titres to Proteus mirabilis were found significantly higher in active RA patients than in the other two groups [P < 0.001]. On the other hand, the mean titres to E. coli were not significantly elevated in the three groups. These results emphasized the importance of searching for an environmental factor during the acute phase of the disease, either directly by looking for a microbial or viral antigens or indirectly by testing for [Abs] titres against particular micro organism. Proteus mirabilis is one of these organisms